Al-Aṣḥābu ʾl-Fīl (اصحاب الفيل) - The Companions of the Elephant
Introduction
Al-Aṣḥābu ʾl-Fīl (اصحاب الفيل) translates to “The Companions of the Elephant” in Arabic. The term is notably mentioned in the CVth (105th) Sūrah of the Qur’ān, known as Sūrat al-Fīl (سورة الفيل) or “The Chapter of the Elephant.” This chapter recounts a significant event traditionally believed to have occurred in the year of the Prophet Muḥammad’s birth, circa 570 CE.
Etymology and Translations
The Arabic term Al-Aṣḥābu ʾl-Fīl is composed of:
- Al-Aṣḥābu (اصحاب): “the companions” or “the people of”
- ʾl-Fīl (الفيل): “the elephant”
In Turkish, the term can be translated as Filin Yoldaşları.
Historical Context
The story of Al-Aṣḥābu ʾl-Fīl revolves around an expedition led by Abrahah, the Christian king of Abyssinia and Arabia Felix, aiming to destroy the Kaʿbah in Makkah. According to Islamic tradition, Abrahah’s army included war elephants. However, this expedition ended disastrously when, according to the Qur’ān, Allah sent flocks of birds pelting the army with small stones, causing their defeat.
Qur’anic Verses
The account is detailed in Sūrat al-Fīl (105:1-5):
- “Hast thou not seen how thy Lord dealt with the companions of the elephant?”
- “Did He not cause their stratagem to miscarry?”
- “And He sent against them birds in flocks,”
- “Small stones did they hurl down upon them,”
- “And He made them like stubble eaten down!”
Interpretations and Legends
The fourth verse is often interpreted literally or has been associated with metaphorical meanings. Some scholars suggest that the term “small stones” (ḥijārat) symbolically refers to a natural disaster or epidemic, such as smallpox, which also implies the “hard gravelly feeling” of pustules. Over time, various extravagant legends have formed around this incident, blending historical facts with poetic embellishments.
Suggested Books for Further Studies
- “The Qur’an: A New Translation” by M.A.S. Abdel Haleem
- “Qur’anic Geography: A Survey and Evaluation of the Geographical References in the Qur’an” by Dan Gibson
- “Tafsir al-Jalalayn” by Jalal ad-Din al-Mahalli and Jalal ad-Din as-Suyuti
- “Seerah of Prophet Muhammad: A Comprehensive Review Based on Authentic Sources” by Professor Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri
Takeaways
- Al-Aṣḥābu ʾl-Fīl is a significant term in Islamic tradition, representing divine intervention.
- The incident is purported to have occurred in 570 CE, the Year of the Elephant, which is also the birth year of the Prophet Muhammad.
- Interpretations of the story vary, ranging from literal to metaphorical understandings.
- The event underscores the importance of the Kaʿbah and Makkah in Islamic consciousness.
Conclusion
The term Al-Aṣḥābu ʾl-Fīl not only highlights a historical event but also serves as a theological reminder of divine protection and intervention. Understanding this concept enriches one’s comprehension of pre-Islamic history and the foundational narratives of Islam.
