Surah Al-Fil with English Translation

4.8/5 - (5 votes)

Surah Al-Fil With English Translation

Surah Al-Fil, or “The Elephant,” is a short yet powerful chapter of the Quran that recounts the miraculous event of the destruction of an army led by the Christian king Abrahah, who intended to destroy the Ka’bah in Makkah. The Surah emphasizes Allah’s protection over His sacred sanctuary and serves as a reminder of His supreme power.

Table Of Content 

Read more: Surah Al-Feel With Urdu Translation

Surah Al-Fil Revelation and Meaning

Time of Revelation

Surah Al-Fil is the Makki and it was revealed in Makkah. The Quraish who were in charge of the Kaaba, those days, were under the protection of God. A historical account in this chapter of the Quran tells about an event that took place in the same year when the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was born. This is the Year of the Elephant, also known as the Year of the Elephant Surah (Surah 105).

Name and Meaning


The Al-Fil is one of the titles of the Surah and it means “The Elephant” which is a reference to the main character of the story told in this Surah. As per the Surah, a group of people led by Abrahah who had elephants with them were heading to the Ka’bah to destroy it.

Key Themes Discussed in Surah Al-Fil

Divine Protection

The Surah emphasizes Allah’s protection over the Ka’bah and His chosen people.

Human Frailty

The story serves as a reminder of the limitations of human power and the inevitability of divine decree.

Miraculous Intervention

The event of the birds destroying the mighty army highlights the miraculous ways in which Allah can intervene.

Reminder to the Quraish

The Surah indirectly warns the Quraish to recognize their privileged position and the importance of maintaining their devotion to Allah.

Surah Al Fil with English Translation

5 Benefits of Reciting Surah Al-Feel

Divine Protection

Reciting Surah Al-Fil is believed to invoke Allah’s protection from harm and enemies, as the Surah recounts how Allah protected the Ka’bah from destruction.

Strengthening Faith

The story within Surah Al-Fil reinforces the belief in Allah’s omnipotence and His ability to protect and aid His servants.

Guidance in Adversity

Surah Al-Fil serves as a reminder that Allah’s help can come in unexpected ways, even in the face of overwhelming odds.

Reminder of Allah’s Power

Recitation helps one to remember and reflect upon the power and majesty of Allah, encouraging humility and trust in divine wisdom.

Spiritual Comfort

The Surah offers comfort and reassurance that Allah is always watching over His servants and will defend them from evil.

Surah Al-Feel (The Elephant) – Tafseer

Ayah 1

In this verse, the Almighty is talking to the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and indirectly to the people of Makkah and is asking them whether they have not thought about that the historical incident involving the People of the Elephant..

The question “Have you not seen” expresses the certainty and importance of the incident, which was even though the Prophet (ﷺ) was not born at the time of the event. The phrase means that this event was long been known and its effects were so clear to all, which was a reminder of Allah’s might and the protection of the Sacred House (Ka’bah) from Him.

Key Points

  • The verse highlights Allah’s intervention in protecting the Ka’bah.
  • It serves as a reminder of Allah’s might and the miraculous protection of His sanctuaries.
  • The question is rhetorical, emphasizing the certainty of the event.

Ayah 2 “Did He not make their plan go astray?”

This verse refers to how Allah thwarted the scheme of Abrahah and his army, who intended to destroy the Ka’bah. Their plan was meticulously designed, but Allah caused it to fail, demonstrating that no power can succeed against His will. The word “go astray” (Arabic: kayd) indicates that their efforts were not only unsuccessful but also led to their own destruction.

Key Points

  • The verse illustrates the futility of plans that go against divine will.
  • It emphasizes Allah’s control over all events and outcomes.
  • Abrahah’s elaborate scheme was nullified by Allah’s intervention.

Ayah 3 “And He deployed flocks of birds against them.”

In this verse, Allah describes how He sent flocks of birds (Arabic: ababeel) to combat Abrahah’s army. These birds were unusual in appearance and carried small stones, which they dropped on the invading forces. The miraculous nature of this event shows Allah’s ability to use even the smallest and seemingly insignificant creatures to protect His House and defeat a mighty army.

Key Points

  • The use of birds shows that Allah can employ any of His creations to fulfill His will.
  • The birds were a divine sign of protection for the Ka’bah.
  • The event highlights the miraculous intervention of Allah.

Ayah 4 “Striking them with stones of baked clay.”

This verse explains how the birds carried small stones of baked clay (Arabic: sijjil) and pelted them at Abrahah’s army. Despite their small size, these stones had a devastating effect, killing the soldiers and destroying the elephants. The stones were ordinary in appearance but were imbued with divine power to cause destruction.

Key Points:

  • The stones were an instrument of divine punishment.
  • The verse emphasizes the destructive power of seemingly insignificant objects when used by Allah.
  • The destruction of the army was total and swift.

Ayah 5 “And He made them like eaten straw.”

The final verse describes the outcome of the attack. The army was reduced to a state similar to eaten straw (Arabic: `asf makool), indicating their utter annihilation. This metaphor illustrates how they were completely destroyed, leaving nothing but remnants, like the husks left after an animal has chewed and discarded them.

Key Points

  • The verse emphasizes the complete and humiliating defeat of the army.
  • The comparison to eaten straw highlights the fragility of the enemies of Allah.
  • It acts as a reminder of the repercussions that come from defying Allah’s will.

Conclusion and Reflections

Surah Al-Fil carries a powerful and constant message about the omnipotent protective power of Allah manifested over the Ka’bah and His ability to defend His sanctuaries even in the face of the greatest dangere. The story of the People of the Elephant is a parable that reminds us of the value of humility and submission to God’s will. It is a reminder that God is the one who allows enemies to appear great and powerful, but they are really just instruments in His hands. The Surah also states the unique status of the Ka’bah and the need of affirmation, of recognizing, and of submission to Allah as the ultimate. authority.

Frequently Asked Questions About Surah Al-Feel

What is the Meaning of Surah Al-Fil?

The glory of Allah is retold in Surah Al-Fil with the story of how He saved the Ka’bah from destruction by the army of Abrahah who came with elephants. The Surah highlights Allah’s dominance and shielding of His holy house, as well as the total ineffectiveness of human attempts to oppose divine will.

What is the Benefit of Reciting Surah Al-Fil?

Memorizing Surah Al-Fil serves as a reminder of Allah’s protection and might. It can instill a sense of reliance on Allah in the face of challenges and serve as a source of comfort, knowing that divine help is always near for those who have faith.

What is the Lesson of Surah Al-Fil?

Surah Al-Fil talks about the history of the Year of the Elephant when Allah saved the Ka’bah from the invading army of Abrahah.The Surah points out the miraculous win of a big force by small birds that used pebbles, thus the divine intervention.

What is Surah Al-Fil About?

The key theme of Surah Al-Fil is that nothing can surpass Allah’s will. The message of the Surah is to the true believers that they are to rely on Allah’s protection and that all power and victory come from Him only. It is also a reminder of the terrible outcomes that come from pride and disobedience to God.

Where Was Surah Al-Fil Revealed?

Surah Al-Fil was revealed in Makkah. It is a Makki Surah, and its revelation took place in the early period of Islam.