The Mubahala of 632 CE was a theological confrontation between Muhammad and Najranite Christians that ended in a peace treaty and is linked to Quran verse 3:61.
Key Facts
- Approximate date
- c. 632 CE
- Location
- Medina, Arabian Peninsula
- Christian delegation origin
- Najran
- Key Quranic verse linked
- Quran 3:61
- Muhammad's family present
- Fatima, Ali, Hasan, Husayn
- Outcome
- Christians withdrew; peace treaty negotiated
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
A theological deadlock arose between the Islamic prophet Muhammad and a Christian delegation from Najran over the nature of Jesus — whether he was human or divine. Unable to resolve the dispute through debate, Muhammad proposed a mubahala, a formal mutual invocation calling God's curse upon whichever party was lying.
The mubahala took place in Medina around 632 CE. Muhammad arrived accompanied by his daughter Fatima, son-in-law Ali, and grandsons Hasan and Husayn, presenting them as his closest kin in the solemn challenge. The Najranite Christian delegation, faced with the gravity of the ritual, declined to proceed with the mutual cursing.
The Christian delegation withdrew from the mubahala and negotiated a peace treaty with Muhammad instead. The episode became tied to Quran verse 3:61 and holds special importance in Shia Islam, as the presence of Muhammad's family elevated the religious standing of Ali, Fatima, Hasan, and Husayn as partners in his prophetic mission.