Ghadir: The Fruit of the Blossoming Tree of Mubahala

Seyed Hashem Moosavi

Introduction

Mubahala stands as one of the most significant and luminous events in the history of Islam. It took place in the tenth year after Hijra in the city of Medina and unmistakably affirmed the truth of Islam through the exalted position of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his family) and his noble household (peace be upon them). This momentous occasion is echoed in the Holy Qur’an, where it is presented as a divine method for distinguishing truth from falsehood.

The term Mubahala, meaning mutual invocation of divine curse upon the liars, is employed when scholarly and theological discussions reach an impasse, and one party calls upon God to directly judge between truth and falsehood. This extraordinary event serves not only as a compelling testament to the truthfulness and legitimacy of the Prophet of Islam but also reveals the lofty status of his Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them) in the sight of God.

The Date of the Mubahala

The historic event of Mubahala took place on the 24th of Dhul-Hijjah in the nineth year after Hijrah. It occurred after a delegation of Christian leaders from Najran-led by three prominent figures: Sayyid, ‘Aqib, and Abu Haritha-arrived in Medina to engage in theological dialogue with the Prophet of Islam.

These Christians insisted on the divinity of Jesus (peace be upon him). In response, the Prophet presented Qur’anic arguments, including verse 59 of Surah Āl-‘Imrān, which states: « إِنَّ مَثَلَ عِيسَىٰ عِندَ اللَّهِ كَمَثَلِ آدَمَ خَلَقَهُ مِن تُرَابٍ ثُمَّ قَالَ لَهُ كُن فَيَكُونُ؛“Indeed, the example of Jesus in the sight of God is like that of Adam: He created him from dust, then said to him, ‘Be,’ and he was.” (Qur’an 3:59)

This verse dismantled their claim by clarifying that the miraculous birth of Christ-without a father-does not imply divinity, as Adam too was created without parents.

Despite having no rebuttal to these clear arguments, the Christian delegation obstinately clung to their beliefs. Frustrated by their stubbornness, the Prophet, under divine command, called them to engage in Mubahala-a solemn invocation asking God to curse the party that is lying. At this moment, the renowned Verse of Mubahala was revealed: «فَمَنْ حَاجَّكَ فِيهِ مِنْ بَعْدِ مَا جَاءَكَ مِنَ الْعِلْمِ فَقُلْ تَعَالَوْا نَدْعُ أَبْنَاءَنَا وَأَبْنَاءَكُمْ وَنِسَاءَنَا وَنِسَاءَكُمْ وَأَنْفُسَنَا وَأَنْفُسَكُمْ ثُمَّ نَبْتَهِلْ فَنَجْعَل لَّعْنَةَ اللَّهِ عَلَى الْكَاذِبِينَ؛ “And whoever disputes with you concerning him [Jesus] after the knowledge that has come to you, say: Come! Let us summon our sons and your sons, our women and your women, ourselves and yourselves, then let us pray earnestly and invoke the curse of God upon the liars.” (Qur’an 3:61)

This verse explicitly instructs the Prophet to invite the People of the Book to Mubahala, bringing with him the dearest of his kin. According to both Shi’a and Sunni exegetical traditions, the individuals meant in this verse are:

«أَبْنَاءَنَا؛  “Our sons”: Imam Hasan and Imam Husayn (peace be upon them)

نِسَاءَنَا؛  “Our women”: Lady Fatimah al-Zahra (peace be upon her)

أَنْفُسَنَا؛  “Ourselves”: Imam ‘Ali ibn Abi Talib (peace be upon him), who was regarded as the very soul of the Prophet

When the Christian leaders saw these radiant and pure figures accompany the Prophet-his most beloved ones-they recognized the truth of his message. Their initial willingness to proceed with Mubahala gave way to fear and reverence.

Abu Haritha, one of the Christian negotiators, exclaimed: “By God, I see faces that, if they were to ask God to move a mountain, He would surely do so. If we proceed with Mubahala, we will be destroyed!”

Fearing divine wrath, they withdrew from the challenge.

The Significance and Impact of the Event of Mubahala

The event of Mubahala holds profound significance from several perspectives:

A Testament to the Truth of Islam

Mubahala serves as one of the most powerful Qur’anic and historical proofs affirming the Prophethood of Muhammad (peace be upon him and his family) and the veracity of his divine mission. The fact that the Prophet fearlessly stepped forward-accompanied not by soldiers, but by his closest family members-to invoke God’s curse upon liars, demonstrated his absolute conviction in the truth of his message. This unwavering stance deeply impacted the Christian elites of Najran.

Elevating the Status of the Ahl al-Bayt

The presence of the Prophet’s family in this solemn event reflects their unparalleled stature in Islam. By choosing the Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them) to stand beside him at this critical juncture, both the Prophet and the Almighty sought to affirm their spiritual rank before the Muslim community. This act laid the groundwork for thousands of hearts to later embrace the guardianship (wilayah) of Imam Ali, who was introduced here as the “soul of the Prophet.” Thus, Mubahala became the prelude to the blossoming of the tree of Wilayah in the event of Ghadir Khumm.

Ghadir: The Sweet Fruit of Mubahala

Mubahala firmly rooted the theological and spiritual foundations of Imam Ali’s guardianship, while Ghadir marked its open and formal declaration. For this reason, it is often said: “Ghadir is the sweet fruit of Mubahala.” The miraculous and truth-revealing nature of Mubahala bore its most radiant fruit in the public proclamation of Wilayah at Ghadir. One could thus say: Ghadir is the product of a tree whose roots are in Mubahala. Without Mubahala, the grandeur of the Ahl al-Bayt may not have been fully recognized; but after it, the ground was ripe for the formal announcement of their divine role.

In essence: “Mubahala was the proof; Ghadir, the conclusion. Mubahala revealed the rank; Ghadir declared the responsibility. And Ali (peace be upon him) is both ‘the soul of the Prophet’ and the ‘guardian of the ummah’.”

A Historical and Educational Model

Beyond its historical significance, Mubahala offers an enduring educational lesson: that religious disagreements should be approached with honesty, spiritual integrity, and unwavering faith in divine justice.

The Completion of a Dialogue

Mubahala did not arise in isolation; it was the final step after reasoned; theological dialogue had reached a deadlock. It underscores that Islam favours debate over coercion. The invitation to invoke divine judgment was not a starting point, but the last recourse to affirm the truth when all rational arguments had been exhausted.

A Warning to the Wilfully Obstinate

The verse of Mubahala ends with a clear and severe warning: «فنجعل لعنة الله علی الکاذبین» “Let us invoke the curse of God upon the liars.” This sharp declaration is a divine admonition to those who knowingly resist the truth. Throughout history, it serves as a model for identifying those who persist in falsehood despite clear evidence.

The Responsibility of Muslims Toward the Event of Mubahala

Today, we live in an era where Mubahala is not merely a historical event, but a banner of guidance raised amidst the dust and confusion of ignorance and division. In order to emerge from this state of disorientation, Muslims must recognize and fulfil several essential responsibilities. Here are some of the most important ones:

Awareness and Understanding

Mubahala must be presented as a Qur’anic testimony to the truth of Islam-integrated into educational programs, Friday sermons, and media productions. Muslims should be well-informed about the historical and scriptural foundations of this event and comprehend its depth and significance.

Propagation and Transmission

As one of the most pivotal episodes in Islamic history, Mubahala must be preserved and passed down to future generations. This can be achieved through commemorative gatherings, public lectures, and educational initiatives. However, the revival of Mubahala should go beyond ritual ceremonies; it must be reflected in our way of life and in our practical commitment to the teachings of the Ahl al-Bayt, particularly the path of Imam Ali (peace be upon him).

Emulating Moral Exemplars

Muslims should draw inspiration from the honesty, faith, and moral courage shown by the Prophet and his household during this event. Mubahala demonstrates that unwavering sincerity and deep faith are powerful tools in confronting adversity and theological discord.

Strengthening Love for the Ahl al-Bayt

Love for the Ahl al-Bayt must be nurtured with wisdom and rooted in authentic sources. Mubahala provides a firm basis for answering historical doubts regarding their rightful status and spiritual authority.

Education and Formation

Mubahala should be introduced as a serious subject of study in schools and universities. Teaching this event can strengthen religious and cultural identity among youth and deepen their connection to Islamic heritage.

Responding to Distortions

Muslims must be equipped to address the distortions, omissions, and denials that have surrounded the concept of Wilayah since the earliest days of Islam. Mubahala serves as a vital reference point in clarifying these truths.

Conclusion

The event of Mubahala is not only a historical episode-it is a defining moment in affirming the station of the Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them) within the Islamic belief system. It positioned the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his family) as the embodiment of truth and his family as its unwavering companions. The presence of Imam Ali (peace be upon him) as the “soul of the Prophet” during Mubahala prepared the ground for the formal proclamation of his Wilayah at Ghadir Khumm.

Thus, Ghadir may rightly be described as the sweet fruit and perfect blossom of the blessed tree whose roots were planted in Mubahala. In Mubahala, the legitimacy of Imam Ali’s spiritual authority was established through subtle yet profound demonstration; in Ghadir, it was publicly and officially declared to the entire ummah.

Today, we are entrusted with the task of preserving this profound legacy-recognizing the deep connection between Mubahala and Ghadir, and reflecting it not only in theological and cultural dialogues, but also in education, da‘wah, refutation of doubts, and the cultivation of love and understanding for the Ahl al-Bayt.

For if Mubahala represents the epistemic root of Wilayah, then Ghadir is its practical branch. And so long as this tree remains alive in our hearts and actions, the Muslim ummah will continue to benefit from its fruits-fruits of divine guidance, unity, and truth.