The Day of Mubahala: A Call for Truth, Unity, and Reflection in Modern Times

Introduction

The 24^th of Dhul-Hijjah marks a significant and deeply spiritual moment in Islamic history – the event of Mubahala, when the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) engaged in a divine call for truth with the Christian delegation of Najran. This event was not just a theological encounter; it was a profound demonstration of the unmatched spiritual status of the Prophet’s household, their unity, and their unwavering commitment to truth.

In response to a prolonged theological debate about the nature of Jesus (‘Isa, peace be upon him), the Prophet (PBUH) was commanded by Allah to invite the Christians to Mubahala, a mutual invocation asking for God’s curse upon those who lie. In this defining moment, the Prophet did not bring political leaders, warriors, or debaters. He brought his closest and purest: his daughter Fatimah (SA), his cousin and son-in-law Ali (AS), and his grandsons Hasan and Husayn (AS). This act of bringing “our sons, our women, and ourselves” was a testament to the elevated spiritual station of the Ahlul Bayt.

This is beautifully expressed in the Holy Quran:

فَمَنْ حَاجَّكَ فِيهِ مِنْ بَعْدِ مَا جَاءَكَ مِنَ الْعِلْمِ فَقُلْ تَعَالَوْا نَدْعُ أَبْنَاءَنَا وَأَبْنَاءَكُمْ وَنِسَاءَنَا وَنِسَاءَكُمْ وَأَنْفُسَنَا وَأَنْفُسَكُمْ ثُمَّ نَبْتَهِلْ فَنَجْعَلْ لَعْنَتَ اللَّهِ عَلَى الْكَاذِبِينَ (ال عمران، ۶۱)

“Then whoever argues with you about it after [this] knowledge has come to you—say, ‘Come, let us call our sons and your sons, our women and your women, ourselves and yourselves. Then let us supplicate earnestly and invoke the curse of Allah upon the liars.'” (Surah Aal-e-Imran, 3:61)

Relevance of the Verse Today

This verse is far more than a historical account – it is a living lesson. In today’s rapidly changing and often confusing world, Muslims – especially those living in Western societies – face ideological challenges, identity crises, and pressure to compromise their values. Drawing closer to the Qur’an, especially to verses like this that highlight truth, unity, and spiritual authority, offers a path toward moral clarity and resilience. The Qur’an is not just a book to be recited; it is a map for life, filled with guidance for individuals, families, and entire societies.

Educational Messages from the Verse for Teenagers and Youth

1. Seek Truth with Sincerity

In the verse: “فَمَنْ حَاجَّكَ فِيهِ…” / “Then whoever argues with you about it…”, the emphasis is on clarity and honesty in belief. Youth today are surrounded by misinformation. This verse reminds them to approach faith not with doubt or imitation but with the courage to seek truth based on authentic knowledge.

Practical Challenge:

Ask one sincere question about your faith each week and research its answer using the Holy Qur’an, hadith, and scholarly guidance.

2. Value and Uphold Your Identity

The verse highlights the Prophet bringing “أَبْنَاءَنَا” / “our sons” to represent truth. This gives youth a message: You – as Muslims – are the carriers of truth, even in a pluralistic society. Embrace your Islamic identity confidently.

Practical Challenge:

Wear or display a visible symbol of your faith (like a pendant, sticker, or prayer time reminder) with dignity, and be ready to explain its meaning.

3. Never lie, no matter the situation

The verse ends with a powerful warning: “فَنَجْعَلْ لَعْنَتَ اللَّهِ عَلَى الْكَاذِبِينَ” / “then let us invoke the curse of Allah upon the liars.” This shows how serious lying is in Islam as it brings divine rejection. As a young Muslim, you should never justify lying, even in small or “harmless” matters. Truthfulness is the foundation of faith, trust, and self-respect. Lying breaks your character and distances you from Allah.

Practical Challenge:

The next time you’re tempted to lie – even to avoid trouble – choose to speak the truth, and afterwards, write down how it affected the outcome and your inner peace.

Educational Messages from the Verse for Parents

1. Stand firm for what is right, even if others reject it

In the verse of Mubahala, the Prophet (PBUH) stood with full confidence in his truth despite disagreement from others. Parents, especially those living in Western societies, must follow this prophetic model. When you know something is right according to your faith, do not waver – whether it’s about modesty, prayer, halal food, or moral principles. Teach your children that being different is not a weakness, but a strength. Celebrating your religious and cultural identity is a powerful way to enrich a diverse society.

Practical Challenge:

Choose one Islamic practice or value that your family has been hesitant to show publicly – such as fasting, hijab, or Islamic greetings – and consciously begin to honour it with confidence in your daily life.

2. Teach Your Children to Stand for What Is Right

When Allah SWT commands the Prophet to bring his family, He says: “وَأَبْنَاءَنَا وَأَبْنَاءَكُمْ…” / “our sons and your sons…”. This shows that children are vital in defending and carrying forward truth. Parents must not only raise good children but raise children who know why they believe what they believe.

Practical Challenge:

Have a weekly discussion at home where children ask any question about Islam, and you explore the answers together with them using Qur’anic sources. If you don’t know the answer, seek guidance from an authentic and trusted Islamic scholar to ensure the response is correct and rooted in true understanding.

3. Model Unity and Spiritual Integrity at Home

The Prophet brought his whole family in unity for the Mubahala. This unity was a sign of their strength. Parents must build spiritual unity at home – where values are shared, prayers are collective, and respect is mutual.

Practical Challenge:

Establish a consistent weekly family ritual – such as reading one verse of the Qur’an together with reflection – to strengthen family unity rooted in Islamic values.

Educational Messages from the Verse for Imams and Religious Leaders

1. Clarify the Role of the Ahlul Bayt as Spiritual Role Models

The verse “وَأَنْفُسَنَا وَأَنْفُسَكُمْ” / “ourselves and yourselves” is understood by commentators to refer to Imam Ali (AS). It is the responsibility of religious leaders to educate the community – especially youth – about the elevated role of the Ahlul Bayt not just in theology but in ethics and everyday life. Following the Ahlul Bayt should be truly reflected in our beliefs and actions, not only in our words. Their example must shape how we treat ourselves and others, how we worship, and how we conduct ourselves in society.

Practical Challenge:

Deliver a monthly lecture series focused on the values, beliefs, and daily conduct of the Ahlul Bayt (AS), and emphasise how truly following them means embodying their teachings in our actions – not just admiring them in words. Connect their example to modern issues such as justice, modesty, family ethics, and responsible leadership.

2. Teach Communities to Respond to Challenges with Firmness and Dignity

Mubahala was not confrontation for the sake of conflict; it was a dignified, principled response to falsehood. Leaders today must train communities to speak truth with dignity – not in aggression, but with firm ethical confidence.

Practical Challenge:

Organise a workshop or seminar on how to respond respectfully yet firmly to Islamophobic narratives in media, school, or workplace settings.