Era I · The Year of the Elephantc. 570 CEYemen → Makkah
The Year of the Elephant
The army that never reached the Kaaba
Abraha marched from Yemen with an elephant to destroy the Kaaba. His army was turned back before the sanctuary — an event the Qur'an later recalls in Surah al-Fil. That same year is remembered as the year the Prophet ﷺ was born.
01
Abraha's Expedition
Abraha advanced from Yemen with a great army and an elephant, intent on destroying the Kaaba and diverting pilgrimage to his own church.
02
The Army Turned Back
Before reaching the sanctuary the army was destroyed, as recalled in Surah al-Fil — a sign of protection over the House.
Qur'an
أَلَمْ تَرَ كَيْفَ فَعَلَ رَبُّكَ بِأَصْحَابِ الْفِيلِ
“Have you not seen how your Lord dealt with the people of the elephant?”
Qur'an · Al-Fil 105:1
Historical Sources
- ✦The Noble Qur'an
- ✦Sahih al-Bukhari; Sahih Muslim
- ✦Ibn Hisham, al-Sirah al-Nabawiyyah
- ✦Ibn Sa'd; al-Tabari; Ibn Kathir