Abraha attacked Mecca with an elephant named Mahmud, according to historical accounts.
The Attack on Mecca
Abraha, driven by anger, launched a massive military expedition towards Mecca. This expedition, numbering sixty thousand men, was intended to destroy the Ka'bah, a sacred site in Mecca. The expedition was led by a white elephant named Mahmud.
Details of the Expedition:
- Leader: Abraha
- Objective: Destroy the Ka'bah in Mecca
- Army Size: Sixty thousand men
- Leading Elephant: Mahmud (a white elephant)
- Additional Elephants: Some accounts state that there were multiple elephants, ranging from several to as many as eight, also involved in the attack.
Significance of the Event
This event is historically significant and is often referred to in religious and historical contexts. The attempted destruction of the Ka'bah by Abraha's army with the elephant is a key event in pre-Islamic history.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Attacker | Abraha |
| Target | Mecca (Ka'bah) |
| Primary Weapon | Elephant named Mahmud |
| Army Size | 60,000 men |
| Other Elephants | Possibly present, some accounts mention several |
