Event of Mubahala
مباهلة نجران
واقعہ مباہلہ
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58 local-first recordsHistorical overview
In 10 AH (631 CE), a prominent Christian delegation from Najran arrived in Medina to debate Prophet Muhammad regarding the divinity of Jesus. After extensive theological discussions based on Quranic arguments, the Christian leaders remained unconvinced. Consequently, Allah revealed Verse 61 of Surah Ali 'Imran (Verse of Mubahala), commanding the Prophet to invite the Christian leaders to join in a mutual imprecation—invoking the curse of God upon whichever party was lying. On the designated day, 24 Dhul Hijjah, Prophet Muhammad entered the field bringing only his immediate holy family: his daughter Fatima, his son-in-law Ali, and his young grandsons Hasan and Husayn. Recognizing the solemnity, spiritual purity, and divine favor resting upon this sanctified gathering, the Christian leaders led by Bishop Abu Harithah withdrew from the ordeal, refusing to engage in the curse out of fear of divine retribution. Instead, they negotiated a peaceful treaty, agreeing to pay tribute (Jizya) while retaining their religious freedom.
Historical context and how to read this record
This record presents Event of Mubahala, dated in the archive as 10 AH / 631 CE and associated with Outskirts of Medina, Hijaz. The date, place, summary, named groups, terrain features, and references shown here come from the bundled or published event record. They provide a concise entry point for study, while the linked source notes remain the place to check what each historical or religious text actually reports. A label in the archive is not, by itself, proof that every chronology, number, or interpretation is agreed across historians.
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Record timeline and tactical markers
- Archive date: 2026-10-03 · 10 AH / 631 CE
- Recorded setting: Outskirts of Medina, Hijaz
- Map feature 1: Volcanic plain outskirts of southern Medina
- Map feature 2: Clear open gathering ground outside city wall
- Map feature 3: Surrounding date palm oases and basalt hills
- Schematic marker 1: Prophet Muhammad, Ali, Fatima, Hasan, and Husayn · Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) · 5 individuals
- Schematic marker 2: Scholars, Bishops, and Chiefs of Najran · Abu Harithah ibn Alqamah & Abdul Masih (Al-A'qib) · 60 dignitaries including 14 key leaders
Marker ordering is a reading aid, not a chronological claim about the event.
Forces and commanders
- Prophet Muhammad, Ali, Fatima, Hasan, and Husayn — Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) (5 individuals)
- Scholars, Bishops, and Chiefs of Najran — Abu Harithah ibn Alqamah & Abdul Masih (Al-A'qib) (60 dignitaries including 14 key leaders)
Geography: water and landscape
- Wadi Ranuna (river)
- Outskirt Well of Medina (well)
- Volcanic plain outskirts of southern Medina
- Clear open gathering ground outside city wall
- Surrounding date palm oases and basalt hills
Sources
- Tarikh al-Tabari, Vol. 3, Events of 10 AH
- Kitab al-Irshad by Shaykh al-Mufid, Mubahala Chapter
- Al-Bidayah wa al-Nihayah by Ibn Kathir, Vol. 5
- Bihar al-Anwar by Allamah Majlisi, Vol. 21