The meeting of the Prophet Muhammad with a delegation of Christians from Najrān and the incident of Mubāhala

Abstract

This article, using information from Islamic sources and modern studies, focuses on the mubāhala incident that occurred between the Prophet and the delegation of Christians from Najrän. A group of Christians from Najrān came to Medina and discussed with the Prophet Muhammad some of their opinions about the Prophet 'Isā. After this discussion, verses from Sūrah Ā1 'Imrān were revealed; these verses also include what are known as the mubähala verses. The Prophet invited the delegation of Christians to Islam and to make mubähala (a mutual invocation) but they did not accept and they offered to make a treaty with the Prophet. In accordance with the treaty, which was based on. jizyah and other matters, they would remain in their religion in return for fulfilling certain responsibilities.