Videos circulating online show a large group of birds flying in circular patterns around the Holy Kaaba at Masjid al Haram in Makkah.
The unusual sight has attracted attention from worshippers and social media users, with several posts identifying the birds as Ababil.
The footage shows the birds moving together above the Grand Mosque, creating a striking visual against the Kaaba and surrounding courtyard. The scene has been widely shared online, with viewers describing it as a memorable moment at Islam’s holiest site.
The word Ababil appears in Surah Al Fil, the 105th chapter of the Quran. The verse describes birds being sent against the army associated with Abraha, an event traditionally connected with an attempted attack on the Kaaba.
Importantly, Ababil does not necessarily refer to the name of one specific bird species. Quranic interpretation notes that the Arabic term can describe birds arriving in groups or flocks. In Urdu usage, however, Ababil is sometimes associated with swallows.
The sight has nevertheless captured widespread attention because of the religious significance of the Kaaba and the powerful association many Muslims have with the story of Ababil.
Videos of the birds moving together above Masjid al Haram have prompted viewers to reflect on the centuries old account connected with Surah Al Fil.
The moment also demonstrates how quickly striking scenes from the Grand Mosque can spread across social media. While the footage itself shows birds flying around the Kaaba, claims about their exact identity require independent verification before being presented as established fact.
Videos circulating online show a large group of birds flying in circular patterns around the Holy Kaaba at Masjid al Haram in Makkah.
Videos circulating online show a large group of birds flying in circular patterns around the Holy Kaaba at Masjid al Haram in Makkah.
The unusual sight has attracted attention from worshippers and social media users, with several posts identifying the birds as Ababil.
The footage shows the birds moving together above the Grand Mosque, creating a striking visual against the Kaaba and surrounding courtyard. The scene has been widely shared online, with viewers describing it as a memorable moment at Islam’s holiest site.
The word Ababil appears in Surah Al Fil, the 105th chapter of the Quran. The verse describes birds being sent against the army associated with Abraha, an event traditionally connected with an attempted attack on the Kaaba.
Importantly, Ababil does not necessarily refer to the name of one specific bird species. Quranic interpretation notes that the Arabic term can describe birds arriving in groups or flocks. In Urdu usage, however, Ababil is sometimes associated with swallows.
The sight has nevertheless captured widespread attention because of the religious significance of the Kaaba and the powerful association many Muslims have with the story of Ababil.
Videos of the birds moving together above Masjid al Haram have prompted viewers to reflect on the centuries old account connected with Surah Al Fil.
The moment also demonstrates how quickly striking scenes from the Grand Mosque can spread across social media. While the footage itself shows birds flying around the Kaaba, claims about their exact identity require independent verification before being presented as established fact.
