Surah Al-Fil (The Elephant): (5) So He made them like eaten straw.

This verse contains several points of discussion:

The First Issue: Interpretations of 'Asf (Straw/Chaff)

They mentioned several interpretations for the word 'Asf (عصف), some of which were previously mentioned regarding the verse: {And grain with husks} (Al-An'am: 141). Here, they mention other interpretations:

1. Interpretation 1: It is the leaf of the crop remaining in the ground after harvest, which the winds blow about, and the livestock eat.
2. Interpretation 2: Abu Muslim said 'Asf means hay/straw (Tibin), based on the verse: {And grain and sweet basil} (Ar-Rahman: 11). This is because the wind scatters it during sowing, separating it from the grain. If it is eaten, it becomes nullified, with no return or defense.
3. Interpretation 3: Al-Farra' said it refers to the tips of the crop before the ear of grain ripens.
4. Interpretation 4: It is the grain whose kernel has been eaten, leaving only the husk.

The Second Issue: Interpretations of Ma'kul (Eaten)

They mentioned several interpretations for the word Ma'kul (مأكول):

Interpretation 1: That which has been eaten. Under this interpretation, there are two possibilities:

• Possibility A: The meaning is like grain and straw that livestock have eaten, then expelled as dung, which then dries up and its parts scatter. Their bodies are likened to the scattering of the parts of dung. However, the expression used is in accordance with the etiquette of the Qur'an, such as the verse: {The two of them used to eat food} (Al-Ma'idah: 75). This is the view of Muqatil, Qatadah, and 'Ata' narrated from Ibn 'Abbas.
• Possibility B: Under this interpretation, the likeness is drawn to the leaves of the crop when they are infested by pests (worms) that eat them.

Interpretation 2 (Found in manuscript ms9727): The meaning of Ma'kul is that they were made like grain whose kernel has been eaten, leaving only its straw. In this case, the meaning is: "like straw whose grain has been eaten" (ka-'asfin ma'kul al-habb), similar to saying, "So-and-so is handsome" (hasan), meaning "handsome of face" (hasan al-wajh). Thus, Ma'kul is attributed to 'Asf because the eating of the grain is understood. This is the view of Al-Hasan.

Interpretation 3: The meaning of Ma'kul is that which is fit to be eaten, meaning livestock eat it. Everything suitable for consumption is called ma'kul. The meaning is that they were made like straw that livestock eat. This is the view of 'Ikrimah and Ad-Dahhak.

The Third Issue: The Timing and Purpose of the Elephant Story

Some commentators stated that Al-Hajjaj destroyed the Ka'bah, and none of the subsequent events mentioned in history occurred. This suggests that the story of the Elephant did not happen in the way described, or if it did, the reason for that event was something other than the glorification of the Ka'bah.

The Response: We have already explained that this event occurred as a precursor/harbinger (irhāṣ) for the mission of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). A precursor is only needed before his arrival. After his arrival and the confirmation of his prophethood through decisive proofs, there is no need for any such precursor.

And Allah, the Glorified and Exalted, knows best and is the most wise. Peace and blessings be upon our Master Muhammad, his family, and his companions.