Surah Al-Fil — Verse 4

Word Meanings:

• Tarmeehim (تَرْمِيهِم): "Striking them" or "pelting them" — refers to the birds casting stones upon the army of Abraha.
• Bijihāratin (بِحِجَارَةٍ): "With stones" — small, hard projectiles.
• Min Sijjīl (مِن سِجِّيل): "Of baked clay" — stones made from hardened, fire-baked mud, as mentioned in the classical commentaries. This is a well-known term in Arabic for clay that has been transformed into a stone-like substance through heat.

Tafsir (Explanation):

This verse continues the description of how Allah (سبحانه وتعالى) destroyed the army of Abraha, the tyrant who marched with elephants to demolish the Ka'bah. After sending upon them flocks of birds in successive waves, the verse tells us that these birds struck the soldiers with stones of baked clay — small but divinely empowered projectiles that pierced through their armor and bodies, causing utter destruction.

The word "sijjīl" refers to stones made of hardened clay, baked until they became like pottery or rock. These were not ordinary stones; they were created by the command of Allah specifically for this punishment. Each stone carried the decree of destruction, and no soldier it struck could escape its effect. The birds, acting as obedient servants of Allah, executed this divine plan with precision, leaving the mighty army helpless despite its numbers, weapons, and elephants.

This event, known as the Year of the Elephant, occurred in the very year the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) was born. It was a clear sign from Allah that He protects His sacred House and His religion, and that no power on earth can prevail against His will. The Quraysh, who had fled in fear, watched from afar as their enemies were destroyed without them lifting a finger — a lesson in humility and reliance on Allah alone.

A Da'wah Reflection for the Reader:

Dear reader, ponder the greatness of this scene: a massive army with war elephants, the most formidable military force of its time, was annihilated by tiny birds carrying small stones. This teaches us that Allah's power is absolute — He needs no armies, no weapons, no material means to defend His cause. When He wills something, He simply says "Be," and it is.

This story is a source of immense comfort for every believer. When you face challenges, oppression, or enemies who seem overwhelming, remember that Allah is the Protector of His servants. The same Allah who destroyed Abraha's army with birds can remove your difficulties in ways you cannot imagine. So strengthen your trust in Him, remain steadfast in your faith, and know that victory comes from Allah alone — whether in this world or the next.

Let this verse also remind you of the sanctity of the Ka'bah and the honor Allah has bestowed upon this ummah. Just as He defended His House then, He continues to protect His religion and His sincere servants. Hold fast to your Islam, for you are under the care of the Almighty, the All-Powerful, who has never failed to support His righteous slaves.