MCQ Detailed View

The word Ababil appears in the Holy Quran in Surah Al-Fil (Chapter 105). The correct meaning of Ababil is flocks of birds. It refers to the special birds sent by Allah to destroy the army of Abraha who came to attack the Kaaba.

Abraha was a Christian ruler from Yemen. He built a huge church in Sana’a and wanted to divert pilgrims from Makkah to his place of worship. When people continued visiting the Kaaba, he planned to destroy it. He marched with a large army that included elephants. This event is known as the Year of the Elephant (Aam al-Feel), which is the same year the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was born.

As Abraha army approached Makkah, Allah protected His sacred House, the Kaaba, in a miraculous way. The Quran says:

“And He sent against them birds, in flocks (Ababil), striking them with stones of baked clay.” (Surah Al-Fil, 105:3-4)

The birds came in groups from different directions. Each bird carried three small stones—one in its beak and two in its claws. These birds dropped the stones on Abraha’s army, and every soldier who was hit died instantly. This powerful event showed that Allah can protect His house without any human effort.

Meaning of Ababil: The Arabic word Ababil means flocks or groups coming one after another. It does not refer to a specific type of bird, but rather to the way the birds appeared—in groups, wave after wave. These were ordinary birds, but Allah used them for an extraordinary purpose.

Important Facts:

• Word: Ababil


• Meaning: Flocks of birds


• Appears in: Surah Al-Fil (Chapter 105)


• Purpose: To destroy Abraha army


• Miracle: Stones carried by birds caused destruction


• Event year: Around 570 CE (Year of the Elephant)

This incident is a reminder of Allah power and how He protects what He loves. Even without a human army, He defended the Kaaba using small birds. The story of Ababil teaches Muslims to trust Allah’s might, especially in times of hardship or when facing a great threat.