There occurred many significant events in the history of the world’s development. The theories and beliefs that research and explain the possible ways of the planet’s foundation are well-known as well. However, all of the existing hypotheses still lack the facts, which might have been useful in indicating the ways of our origin.
There exist many religions in the world. The most widespread among them are Islam, Christianity, and Buddhism. Various faiths possess their own peculiarities. As a result, the differences and similarities between diverse religions are rather distinctive. There is an extended opinion that assumes the derivation of all religions from a single one. The supporters of the theory believe that all faiths are based on the same ethnic principles, and mark an identical finish of existence for all human species. Such a belief eased the tension and the conflict among the religionists. However, it is not an irrefutable proof for the atheists, who are convinced that all religions are the deliberate means to control and influence society.
Islam is a monotheistic Abrahamic religion that developed from the divine doctrines; prophet Muhammad, who received the revelations from God, introduced these principles, which formed the Words of God later on, stating the key concepts and principles of the Musslim religion, all of which are recorded in the main Islamic book — the Quran . The Muslims believe that, unlike the case with other Holy Books, such as the Torah and the Gospel, God protects the Quran and its worshipers more than members of other religions. If a person believes in the Quran, a new, devoted to the God life starts. The Quran for the Muslims is a primary source of legislation, which does not contain any misrepresentations. It is also a precise historic book that allows to get acquainted with the events that happened in the past.
A person who lives in a certain society, either Muslim or non-Muslim, is deeply influenced by its social standards and norms. Having been born in a non-Muslim society, we merge with the community, as well as its habits, social standards and norms. The conscious is the essential part of our existence and all of us have to think carefully about the choice of religion. When a person grows up, he/she understands the main concepts of the faith better and can make a personal choice. However, the responsibility of the decision lies on the believer as well — that is why it is essential to make the right choice. The Quran and the stories written down in it help fulfill the following task, as the Holy Stories are the true descriptions of the Muslim religion’s formation. All of them serve as the light for those who keep searching and the innermost for those who have already found.
One of the most remarkable events depicted in the Holy Quran is called “The Year of the Elephant”. In 571 AD, there was a king Abraha Al-Habashi who lived in Yemen. He built a church namedal-Qullays. Abraha Al-Habashi desired to gain the power over the pagan Arabs, who prayed and worshiped in Mecca. The king decided to send Muhammad ibn Khuza’I, who had to persuade the Arabs that al-Qullays was the most preferable place for religious purposes.
However, the Arabs understood the true intentions of the king and decided to resist him. They started to ruin all valuables located in the palace, such as Idols and Antiques. Such antagonism infuriated Abraha Al-Habashi; thus, he decided to take his revenge on the pagan Arabs. He carefully worked out his plan of future actions. He called in the military and distributed the troops. Abraha Al-Habashi started to promote his large army which consisted of many trained soldiers and a single elephant.
Later the army had approached the enemy and a sequence of events happened. Abraha Al-Habashi and his allies met the troops of the Arab tribes, which consisted of several detachments. However, the strength of the king’s warriors was so immense that they managed to score the triumph in the fight. After the soldiers had reached the outskirts of Mecca, Abraha Al-Habashi sent a messenger to Quraysh to inform them about his demands and intentions. The main aim of his army was to destroy Ka’bah; however, he did not want to levy war against the Quraysh.
Abdul Almuthalib, the grandfather of the prophet Muhammed, was the leader of Quraysh at that time and responsible for the defense of Kabah,. When Abraha Al-Habashi had reached the boundaries of Mecca, he captured 200 camels, which belonged to Abdul Almuthalib. The response of Almuthalib was rather astounding. He offered no resistance to the enemy; on the contrary, he allowed the troops to continue their conquest of Ka’bah. Almuthalib was convinced that the city would survive under any circumstances as it was under effective protection.
When he gave permission for the army to continue a conquest, the elephants suddenly stopped and refused to move any further. The situation was paradoxical, because animals used in army were thoroughly trained to obey the commanders who led them. Abraha Al-Habashi, surprised by the happening events, changed the way in the opposite direction. The elephants immediately rose to their feet and executed the order. However, after Abraha Al-Habashi ordered to return to Ka’bah to destroy the city, the animals stopped again. Moreover, the elephants’ refusal was not a single obstacle for the army. A swarm of birds appeared in the sky. The birds were carrying stones and started to throw them at the army of Abraha Al-Habashi, thus intending to destroy the army.
The following story is rather edifying. First, it provides us with a precious lesson about the impossibility and uselessness of challenging the divine power. Second, it provides the future generations with a warning — all Muslims have to establish a close relationship with God in order to achieve harmony and concord with our inner selves. The historical event under discussion, as well as another stories from Quran, prove how essential is the protection of God for all the earthy creatures inhabiting the world.
The story remains topical even now. The threats to demolish Ka’aba and failure to do that strengthen the beliefs of many Muhammad’s ancestors, and make them proud of being Muslims. The story also deals with the misunderstanding between Sunnis and Shia, explained by the fact that many of them are influenced by the ideas accepted by the society they are living in, and the laws of the Musslim world. Even if they change the society, they will not change the way of thinking.
Nowadays, we are still learning from the School of Ahl al-Bayt the important lessons concerning the day of Ashura and the sacrifice of Imam Hussein. The struggles and the way Imam Hussein overcame them are an example of being a devoted Muslim; they to be sympathetic and gentle. An angry, selfish and vicious person will not get the blessing.
The described story exhibits us the strength the divine power has upon all world and its inhabitants.