24th Dhul Hijjah: The Day of Al-Mubahala – Victory of Truth
Table of Contents
- Introduction: A Day of Divine Manifestation
- The Victory of Truth: The Day of Al-Mubahala
- What is Al-Mubahala?
- The Quranic Foundation
- The Historical Context: The Christians of Najran
- The Chosen Five: The Purified Personalities
- The Moment of Victory: Faces of Divine Light
- A Day of Double Blessings: The Giving of the Ring
- The Legacy of Purity
- Walk the Path of Purity: Iraq Ziarat 2026
Introduction: A Day of Divine Manifestation
On the twenty-fourth of Dhu al-Hijjah, the Holy Prophet (PBUH) invited the Christians of Najran that each party would invoke Almighty Allah’s curse upon the liars among them so that the truthful party would be distinguished and the lying party would be cursed.
The Holy Prophet (PBUH) put on a cloak and embraced Imam Ali (AS), Lady Fatimah al-Zahra (SA), Imam al-Hassan (AS), and Imam al-Hussain (AS) and prayed to Almighty Allah, saying:
“O Allah, verily, each Prophet had family members who were the nearest to him. O Allah, these are my Household; so, (please do) remove uncleanness from them and purify them with thorough purification.”
Immediately after that, Archangel Gabriel descended carrying the Verse of Purification.
Then, the Holy Prophet (PBUH) accompanied his family members as his partners in the process of invoking Almighty Allah’s curse upon the lying party. As soon as the Christians’ eyes fell on the Holy Prophet’s household, they realized that those individuals were the most truthful and that chastisement would be the share of anyone who would oppose them. They therefore did not dare to participate in that invocation of curse and, instead, they agreed to pay a tribute (jizyah) to the Holy Prophet (PBUH).
The Second Blessing of This Day
On the twenty-fourth of Dhu al-Hijjah too, Imam Ali Ameer al-Momineen (AS), while he was offering a prayer and, more precisely, while he was in the genuflection of that prayer, gave his ring as alms to a poor person who was begging in the mosque. Therefore, Almighty Allah revealed the holy verses (5:55-56).
The Victory of Truth: The Day of Al-Mubahala
The 24th of Dhu Al-Hijjah marks one of the most significant and spiritually radiant events in Islamic history: The Day of Al-Mubahala. It is a day that celebrates the victory of Islam, the supreme word of God, and the eternal sanctity of the Ahl Al-Bayt (the Household of the Prophet).
More than just a historical encounter, Al-Mubahala serves as a divine testament to the purity and infallibility of the Prophet’s family and remains a “great clear proof” for seekers of truth.
What is Al-Mubahala?
The word Mubahala is derived from the Arabic word ‘Bahlah’, meaning “curse.” In Islamic tradition, it refers to an ancient form of spiritual arbitration where two parties, unable to resolve a religious dispute through logic and argumentation, formally call upon God to invoke His curse or punishment upon whoever is lying.
The Quranic Foundation
The event is immortalized in Verse 61 of Surah Aal ‘Imran, famously known as the Verse of Al-Mubahala:
“But whoever disputes with you in this matter after what has come to you of knowledge, then say: Come let us call our sons and your sons and our women and your women and ourselves and yourselves, then let us be earnest in prayer, and invoke the curse of Allah on the liars.” (Quran 3:61)
The Historical Context: The Christians of Najran
The event began when the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him and his Household) sent a letter to Abu Harithah, the Bishop of Najran, inviting the Christian community to Islam. Abu Harithah, a man of immense knowledge and status, led a delegation of sixty nobles and scholars to Medina to negotiate.
Despite long discussions and clear proofs provided by the Prophet, the delegation remained obstinate. It was then that the revelation descended, challenging the delegation to a Mubahala to settle the matter of truth once and for all.
The Chosen Five: The Purified Personalities
God chose the specific individuals who would represent the side of Truth. On the 24th of Dhu Al-Hijjah, 10 AH, the Prophet emerged with the dearest people to him:
- Our Sons: Imam Al-Hassan (AS) and Imam Al-Hussain (AS)
- Our Women: Lady Fatima Al-Zahra (SA)
- Ourselves: Imam Ali Ibn Abi Talib (AS)
These five personalities — the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), Imam Ali (AS), Lady Fatima (SA), Imam Hassan (AS), and Imam Hussain (AS) — represent the most purified of creation, chosen by Allah Himself for this divine confrontation.
The Moment of Victory: Faces of Divine Light
As the delegation of Najran prepared for the imprecation, they saw the Holy Prophet kneeling in prayer, flanked by his family. The sight of these five individuals radiant with divine light and unshakable faith struck fear and awe into the hearts of the Christians.
Abu Harithah, their greatest scholar, addressed his people with a warning that resonates through history:
“Verily I see a divine light on the face of our combatants; I am beholding such faces among them as can make the mountains move from their spots if they pray to God. So beware! Never try to contest with them, otherwise you will perish!”
Recognizing the spiritual authority of the Prophet and his Household, the Christians withdrew from the Mubahala. They signed a peace treaty, agreeing to pay an annual tribute, and returned home safely.
A Warning of Divine Consequence
The Prophet later remarked that had they proceeded with the challenge, the land of Najran would have been consumed by fire, and the people would have faced total extinction within a year.
A Day of Double Blessings: The Giving of the Ring
The 24th of Dhu Al-Hijjah is also celebrated for another profound event. On this same day, Imam Ali Ibn Abi Talib (AS) gave his ring as alms to a beggar while bowing (Ruku) in prayer at the Prophet’s Mosque. This act of devotion prompted the revelation of Verse 5:55:
“Only God, His Messenger, and the true believers who are steadfast in prayer and pay alms, while they kneel during prayer, are your guardians.” (Quran 5:55)
This verse established the Wilayah (Guardianship) of Imam Ali (AS) in the most explicit terms.
The Legacy of Purity
The Day of Al-Mubahala remains a cornerstone of faith. It proves that the Ahl Al-Bayt are the pillars of the Prophet’s mission and the guardians of the Divine message. On this day, the truth was made manifest, not through the sword, but through the undeniable spiritual light of those whom God has purified with a thorough purification.
The Verse of Purification (33:33) was revealed on this very day, confirming Allah’s will to remove all impurity from the Prophet’s Household and purify them completely.
Walk the Path of Purity: Iraq Ziarat 2026
In honor of the Day of Al-Mubahala, we invite you to journey to the land where the “Legacy of Purity” resides. Just as the truth was made manifest through the radiant light of the Ahl Al-Bayt, come and illuminate your soul at the doorsteps of the Guardians of the Divine Message.
The Journey of a Lifetime
Experience the profound peace of the holy shrines and witness the locations that stood as pillars of the Prophet’s mission:
- Najaf: Renew your allegiance at the shrine of Imam Ali (AS) — the “soul” of the Prophet mentioned in the Verse of Mubahala
- Karbala: Stand in the presence of Imam Al-Hussain (AS), the leader of the youth of Paradise
- Kadhimiya & Samarra: Complete your pilgrimage by visiting the Imams who carried the torch of Divine Light through the ages
Package Highlights
- أماكن الإقامة: Premium hotels in the closest proximity to the Harams
- Guidance: Accompanied by experienced scholars to discuss the deep meanings of Mubahala and the status of the Ahl Al-Bayt
- Inclusions: Visa processing, full board meals, and luxury ground transportation
A Spiritual Reflection
The Day of Al-Mubahala proves that the Ahl Al-Bayt are the pillars of the Prophet’s mission. Join us as we visit those whom God has purified with a thorough purification.
Stand where the five purified personalities stood. Feel the same divine light that made the Christians of Najran withdraw in awe. Experience the spiritual power that can “make the mountains move from their spots.”
Begin your Path of Purity: www.ziaratplanner.com
