The challenge
A delegation of Christian scholars and notables from Najran in the Yemen came to Madinah to dispute with the Prophet (s) about the nature of Jesus (a). When argument failed to move them, the Qur'an prescribed a mubahala: each side would bring its sons, women and selves and call down the curse of God on whichever was lying. The Christians agreed to meet the next day.
The five
The Prophet (s) came out with Husayn in his arms, Hasan by the hand, Fatima behind him and Ali behind her, and told them to say Amin when he prayed. The bishop of Najran, seeing the faces of the four he had brought as his sons, his woman and his self, told his people that these were faces by which a mountain could be moved if they prayed against it, and asked instead for a treaty. The Prophet granted it, and the Christians left paying tribute but unharmed.
Why the day matters
For the Shia the Mubahala is among the greatest proofs of the standing of the Ahl al-Bayt (a): of all his companions and kin the Prophet chose these four, and the verse names Ali (a) as his own self — a merit Imam al-Rida (a) called the greatest of Ali's in the Qur'an. The event is dated to 24 Dhu l-Hijja of the ninth year (some sources say the 25th, and some almanacs the tenth year), and is kept as a feast with fasting, the ghusl and the prayers of the day.
Written for Shia Online Community. Dates and facts are checked against the references listed under Research & books; where the tradition records more than one date, all are given.
