-- Dhu al-Hijjah 24 marks an important, glorious day in the history of Islam on which the episode of al-Mubahalah-- an everlasting heritage for the Muslim world-- took place.
Philosophically speaking, the story of al-Mubahalah is closely similar to the event of al-Ghadir, for on this day the Prophet (PBUH) chose the best people living on earth to accompany him in a duel with Christians who were called to challenge. By doing so, the Prophet (PBUH) introduced the closest people to him. Therefore al-Mubahalah can be called another al-Ghadir.
The day of al-Mubalalah could be the pivot of unity among all Islamic schools of thought, since it is a Quranic event deeply rooted in the Holy Book and all reliable Quranic interpretation and hadith resources have mentioned the event and have referred to it as a clear proof of the spiritual status of the Prophet's Household and their purity.
Glorious Quran Chapter 3 Verse 61: If any one disputes in this matter with thee, now after (full) knowledge hath come to thee, say: "come! let us gather together,- our sons and your sons, our women and your women, ourselves and yourselves: then let us earnestly pray, and invoke the curse of Allah on those who lie!"
This verse refers to the famous event of ' al-Mubahalah ' which took place in the year 10 A.H against the Christians of Najran, an area in the southwest of the Arabian Peninsula. A deputation of 60 Christians of Najran headed by Abdul Masih their chief monk priest came and discussed with the Holy Prophet (PBUH) the personality of Jesus Christ. The Holy Prophet (PBUH) told them not to deify Jesus for he was only a mortal created by God, and not God Himself. Then they asked who the father of Jesus was. By this, they thought that since he was born without a father the Holy Prophet (PBUH) would helplessly accept Jesus' father being God himself.
In reply to this question was revealed the Verse
Verily, similitude of Jesus with God is as the similitude of Adam; He created him out of dust then said He unto him be, and he became.
When the Christians did not agree to this line of reasoning, then this verse was revealed enjoining upon the Prophet (PBUH) to call the Christians to Mubahalah. To this the Christians agreed and they wanted to return to their place and would have the Mubahalah the next day.
Early next morning the Holy Prophet (PBUH) along with Ali (AS) Fatimah (AS), Hassan (AS) and Hussein (AS) went outside the city of Medina for the historic event.
On the opposite side appeared the Christian priests, while at the appointed hour the Christians witnessed majesty, they were terrified and refuse to enter the challenge.
They beseeched the Holy Prophet (PBUH) to give up the idea of the agreed Mubahalah and requested for themselves to be allowed to continue their faith, offering to pay tribute.
It is necessary to annually mark the event of al-Mubahalah as an Islamic feast. The following are some proposals presented to those involved in Quranic affairs and Islamic education in the Muslim world to celebrate the event.
Writing papers and books on the event of Mubahalah in order to disseminate information about it
Organizing celebrations and ceremonies on the event at which speeches and Islamic song featuring the Household of the Prophet (PBUH) are presented
Holding poet-reading gatherings and performing plays with the theme of al-Mubahalah
Holding cultural contests in the fields of historical knowledge, paper-writing, translation, painting and drawing, calligraphy and poetry about the Household of the Prophet (PBUH) and al-Mubahalah
Launching Islamic websites to presents articles and art works on al-Mubahalah
Mounting cultural and art exhibitions focusing on the Household of the Prophet (PBUH) and al-Mubahalah
Publishing online special issues and magazines in various languages on the status of the Household of the Prophet (PBUH) and al-Mubahalah
Establishing contact with leading Islamic publications and newspapers and sending articles on al-Mubahalah to them to be published
Extending felicitations as well as sending papers to Islamic dignitaries
