The Army of the Elephant: A Free Qur'an Storybook for Kids
The story of Surah al-Fil, told simply for children, with pictures, the full surah to learn and a colouring page.
Updated 25 October 2026
15 pagesStorybook
A4 & US Letterprint at home
Ages 4–9best for
10–15 minutestime it takesLong ago, a proud ruler named Abrahah marched on Makkah with a huge army and great elephants, to destroy the Ka'bah. But the elephant knelt down and would not go on, and Allah sent flocks of birds carrying small stones of baked clay. The army was left like eaten straw, and the Ka'bah was safe. Allah tells us this story in Surah al-Fil.
This storybook tells the story in simple sentences, one picture to a page. Children learn that Allah protects His House, that pride and power cannot stand against Allah, and that the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was born in this very year, the Year of the Elephant.
At the end there are three questions to talk about together, the whole of Surah al-Fil in Arabic with transliteration and meaning, and a page to colour in.
How to use it well
- 1The Ka'bah in Makkah
The Ka'bah, built by Prophet Ibrahim and Prophet Isma'il (peace be upon them), stood in the valley of Makkah.
- 2Abrahah's plan
A proud ruler in Yemen built a grand building and wanted people to go there instead of the Ka'bah.
- 3The army of elephants
Angry, he marched on Makkah with a huge army and elephants to destroy the Ka'bah.
- 4The elephant kneels
Near Makkah, the great elephant knelt down and would not move towards the Ka'bah.
- 5The birds and the stones
Allah sent flocks of birds carrying stones of baked clay, and made the army like eaten straw (Surah al-Fil).
- 6The Year of the Elephant
The Ka'bah was safe, and in that same year the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was born.
What children learn from this story
- Allah protects His House, the Ka'bah.
- Pride and big armies cannot stand against Allah.
- Even the smallest birds obey Allah's command.
- A short surah to learn by heart: Surah al-Fil.
Peek inside
How to use it
Print it and read it together, a few pages at a time. Point to the pictures and ask your child what is happening. On the surah page, read Surah al-Fil together slowly, one ayah at a time. Use the "Talk about it" questions at the end, then let your child colour in the kneeling elephant.
Let a teacher take your child from Qaida to fluent Qur'an
Our online Maktab for ages 4 to 13 is taught live by a female teacher: Noorani Qaida, Qur'an with Tajweed, duas, kalimahs and Salah. Pick any time between 5 and 8 PM.
Your first class is free. No payment needed.
Frequently asked questions
Is this story from the Qur'an?
Yes. Allah tells the story of the people of the elephant in Surah al-Fil (chapter 105). Some details, like the elephant kneeling, come from the books of Seerah.
What age is this storybook for?
It is best for children aged 4 to 9. Younger children can listen and look at the pictures, and older children can read it by themselves.
Is Surah al-Fil included?
Yes. The full surah is on page 7 and page 13, in Arabic with transliteration and meaning, so your child can learn it.
Are there pictures of people in the book?
No. The pictures show the valley, the elephants, the birds and the desert. There are no people or faces.
Is it free to print?
Yes. Download the A4 or US Letter PDF and print as many copies as you like for your family, class or masjid.
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