Baitullah

The Ka’ba in Mecca was venerated by all the tribes of the Arabian Peninsula. It was built by Maulana Ibrahim ^(AS) on the foundations of the bayt that had previously been built by Adam ^(AS). Pilgrims came from far and wide to perform the rites and honour the Ka’ba according to the rules established by Ibrahim ^(AS). The Ka’ba and the area surrounding it was the Haram (sanctuary). Here violence was forbidden.

Qusai ^(AS) was the leader of Quraish and the custodian of the haram, in his hands were the keys to the Ka’ba and his was the responsibility to provide for the pilgrims who came for Haj. His descendents took up these responsibilities after him and their eminence was renowned throughout the land.

It was during the time of Maulana Abdulmuttalib ^(AS) - the grandfather of Rasulullah ^(SAW) that Yemen was under the rule of an Abyssinian king named Abrahat.  

Abrahat built a huge cathedral in Sana’a; his intention being that it should supersede the Ka’ba as a place of pilgrimage. He did not make secret of his intention and when he received nothing but contempt from the Arabs, he vowed to raze the Ka’ba to the ground.

His huge army included elephants such as had never been seen in those parts and many a settlement was destroyed along the way.

Having heard of Maulana Abdulmuttalib ^(AS) and his prominence among Quraish, Abrahat sent a messenger to him requesting a meeting. Maulana Abdulmuttalib ^(AS) agreed to come.

Struck with awe at the visitor’s appearance and demeanor, Abrahat humbly asked if there was anything he could do for Maulana Abdulmuttalib^(AS). 

Maulana Abdulmuttalib ^(AS) calmly replied “Your men have looted some of my camels and I wish that you should return them. Abrahat was startled. Here was a huge army coming to demolish the Ka’ba of which he was the guardian and yet Maulana Abdulmuttalib ^(AS) asked for mere camels. Abrahat claimed he was disappointed for he had expected to be asked to leave the Ka’ba unharmed.

Maulana Abdulmuttalib ^(AS) replied; I am the lord of these camels and their protection is up to me, Indeed Allah will protect his house. Abrahat was impressed but he did not heed the warning and continued the march towards the Ka’ba.

 The outcome of the failed expedition is reported in the Quran e Majeed in Surat ul Fil;

As as-haab ul fil neared the Ka’ba they were overwhelmed by flocks of birds (named Ababeel) from above. The birds carried stones in their beaks and claws, which they threw upon the advancing army. So sharp were these stones, that the army was destroyed.

The Haram of Dawat

Syedna al Qazi an Noman ^(RA) states; The Quran-e-Majeed is eternal; it transcends all time and all place.

The story of As-haab ul fil is more than 1400 years old. However, like them enemies across the ages have tried to attack the haram of dawat. Each Dai has enemies the likes of Abrahat- and each enemy is thwarted in his assaults. The Dai and Dawat are in the protection of Imam uz Zaman and mumineen live peacefully in the saya of their Dai.

For Aqa Maula ^(TUS) says: