Mubahala, like a pure mirror, reveals a manifestation of divine truth before the eyes of truth-seekers. This event, reflected in verses 60 to 63 of Surah Al-Imran in the Holy Quran, is not merely a historical occurrence but a spiritual exercise that delineates the boundaries between truth and falsehood. This treatise, through a profound examination of these verses, elucidates the doctrinal, mystical, and social dimensions of Mubahala, and by utilising lived experiences and deep reflections, endeavours to present the reality of this event as a radiant light before the readers. In this endeavour, all details and points contained within the lectures have been preserved meticulously and faithfully, presented in a clear and coherent framework to guide the reader towards a deeper understanding of this Quranic truth.
The Verse of Mubahala, revealed in Surah Al-Imran (Verse 61), shines as a unique gem within the Quran. This verse is the sole instance that explicitly refers to the spiritual exercise of Mubahala, thereby occupying an unparalleled position among the divine verses. Mubahala, as a divine test, was designed to prove the truthfulness of the Noble Prophet (peace be upon him) against the claimants of falsehood and is a sign of Gods power in manifesting the truth.
Mubahala, like a flowing river, encompasses two domains: the external domain relating to social and historical interactions with peoples and nations, and the internal domain emphasising doctrinal and spiritual aspects. This duality demonstrates the comprehensiveness of this event; as if Mubahala acts as a bridge between the apparent and the inner reality, influencing both the social arena and the depths of the soul.
The Holy Quran in Surah Al-Imran, Verse 60, emphatically underscores the divine truth:
"The truth is from your Lord, so be not among the doubters."
This verse, like a divine command, calls the Prophet (peace be upon him) to full certainty in the divine truth. The term your Lord acts as a key symbolising the tutelary relationship of God with the Prophet and emphasises the necessity of unconditional trust in this guidance.
Gods command to the Prophet (peace be upon him) to avoid doubt is a lesson for all believers that in the face of divine truth, one must attain certainty. Doubt, like a dark shadow, prevents the perception and acceptance of truth and deprives the heart of the light of faith. This emphasis manifests the heavy responsibility of the Prophet (peace be upon him) and his followers in preserving certainty.
Verse 61 of Surah Al-Imran commands the Prophet (peace be upon him) to invite to Mubahala after receiving divine knowledge:
So whoever argues with you about it after [this] knowledge has come to yousay, Come, let us call our sons and your sons, our women and your women, ourselves and yourselves, then let us earnestly pray and invoke the curse of Allah upon the liars.
Knowledge in this verse refers to the certain and divine knowledge revealed through revelation to the Prophet (peace be upon him). Mubahala serves as a test by which this knowledge is weighed against false claims, separating truth from falsehood.
Mubahala, like a spiritual duel, is founded upon the certainty of both parties. Each comes forth with confidence in their truthfulness, as if two warriors each wielding the sword of their conviction. This certainty is a prerequisite to entering this divine exercise; without it, Mubahala would be meaningless.
Mubahala, like a mighty tree, comprises three principal branches: doctrinal truth, certainty of connection with God, and the divine origin of the invitation. These three directions render Mubahala a comprehensive test that assesses not only beliefs but also the depth of connection with God and the authenticity of the invitation.
Mubahala, like a purifying fire, pertains to doctrinal issues rather than material or mundane matters. Its subject matter is the affirmation of divine connection and the truth of the Prophets (peace be upon him) invitation. This exercise is as if a stage where hearts are tested by the light of truth.
The command Come (tal) in the verse of Mubahala is like a summons calling both parties to the arena of spiritual battle, similar to a call for warriors to enter the battlefield. This invitation is a sign of the Prophets (peace be upon him) confidence in his truth and his readiness to prove it.
Those who harbour doubt in their hearts, like birds frightened by the storm, cannot step into the field of Mubahala. Certainty is the key that opens this tests door, while doubt is an obstacle barring the way for claimants.
The Quranic command Let us call our sons and your sons, our women and your women, ourselves and yourselves refers to a collective presence including children, women, and the individuals themselves. This invitation is like a call to all members of a tribe, demonstrating complete commitment to the truth.
The word our women in the verse refers not only to spouses but to all female members of the family, including daughters and descendants. This inclusiveness, like a wide branch of the family tree, underscores the importance of womens presence in this spiritual exercise and their exalted status in proving the truth.
Another verse of the Holy Quran states, Men are the protectors and maintainers of women (Surah An-Nisa, Verse 34), referring to mens guiding role in society, even towards their mothers. This guardianship, in the social context of that time, was like a shield protecting women and families against adversities.
Mubahala, as a demonstration of the unity of a tribe, is based on collectivity rather than individuality. The verse alludes to the presence of the tribe of truth (Islam) against the tribe of falsehood (the Christians of Najran), like two spiritual armies arrayed against each other.
Supplication (ibtihal), mentioned in the verse by the phrase then let us earnestly pray, means surrendering oneself and seeking refuge in God to prove the truth. This act is like wings that elevate the soul towards the heaven of truth, not merely a curse or rejection.
Curse is akin to exclusion from the realm of divine mercy, whereas supplication is an inclination towards the light of truth and helplessness before God. This distinction reveals the spiritual depth of Mubahala, where both parties, by relinquishing attachments, seek refuge in God.
Mubahala, like a sharpener on the stone of truth, separates truth from falsehood. One party, by appealing to God, is recognised as the truth, while the other, who lies, becomes subject to Gods curse.
The Holy Quran, with the phrase then let us place the curse of Allah upon the liars, imposes Gods curse upon the false claimants. This lie lies in the claim of connection with God, and Mubahala exposes this falsehood.
The root of all corruption, like a poisonous tree, lies in falsehood. Mubahala, by exposing the liars, acts like a purifying water, cleansing society from this poison and clearing the path for truth.
The People of the Book, particularly the Christians of Najran, by citing the person of Jesus (peace be upon him), considered themselves as God or representatives of the celestial deities. These claims, like a shadow of polytheism, stood opposed to the light of Islamic monotheism, and the event of Mubahala challenged this falsehood.
Christian priests, upon receiving payment, absolved people of their sins an act that, like a veil of ignorance, concealed the truth. This exploitation was in direct contradiction to the purpose of Mubahala, which aimed to demonstrate divine truth.
The fourteen-year experience of presence in the church, akin to a journey through darkness, led to an understanding of the erroneous claims of Christianity and the veracity of Islam. Observing the deeds of priests who pardoned sins for money was like a mirror revealing the falsity of this creed.
Church and convent mentors, despite their kindness and sincerity, were unable to prove complete truthfulness but left a positive impact. These mentors were like lamps illuminating the path during dark nights, although their light did not reach the entirety of the truth.
The directive of one religious scholar to study the original texts of religions, albeit by an unorthodox method, was like a key that unlocked the doors of truth. This endeavour reflected a thirst for profound and authentic understanding of religions.
Spiritual visions in Christian and Muslim cemeteries, like a divine breeze, firmly established belief in the truth of Islam within the heart. This mystical experience was seemingly a gift from God to guide towards the light of truth.
The mystical guide, despite his spiritual greatness, sometimes exhibited emotional behaviours that did not fully satisfy. However, subsequent reflections revealed his value like a gem embedded in stone.
Life with the guides family was like an earthly paradise, full of simplicity and sincerity. This lifestyle appeared as a mirror reflecting the light of honesty and purity.
The guides family, unlike some mystical groups, had no political affiliations and earned their livelihood through their own work. This independence, as a sign of spiritual authenticity, doubled their value.
Amidst the abundance of corruption, the righteous servants of God shine like stars in the dark sky. Their existence is a hope for guidance and societal reform.
Familial non-dependence was like a wing that enabled the soul to fly towards truth. This freedom facilitated concentration on knowledge and truth.
The non-acceptance of the mothers death and belief in her spiritual life is akin to a mystical perspective that regards death not as an end, but as a gateway to eternal life.
Verse 62 of Surah Al-Imran describes Mubahala as a story of truth:
إِنَّ هَٰذَا لَهْوَ الْقَصَصُ الْحَقُّ ۚ وَمَا مِنْ إِلَٰهٍ إِلَّا اللَّهُ ۚ وَإِنَّ اللَّهَ لَهْوَ الْعَزِيزُ الْحَكِيمُ
Indeed, this is the true story, and there is no god but Allah, and indeed Allah is the Almighty, the Wise.
"The true story" serves as a narrative that reveals the reality of Mubahala and the triumph of Islam. This verse, emphasising monotheism, negates all forms of polytheism.
The phrase وَمَا مِنْ إِلَٰهٍ إِلَّا اللَّهُ (there is no god but Allah) acts like an arrow aimed at the heart of polytheism, negating every false deity.
God, possessing the attributes of the Almighty and the Wise, is like a just judge who, in Mubahala, reveals the truth and exposes falsehood.
Verse 63 of Surah Al-Imran links turning away from truth to practical corruption:
فَإِنْ تَوَلَّوْا فَإِنَّ اللَّهَ عَلِيمٌ بِالْمُفْسِدِينَ
So if they turn away, indeed Allah is Knowing of the corrupters.
Turning away from the truth is like a seed that increases corruption in the soil of life. God, with His infinite knowledge, recognises the corrupters and justly punishes them.
In the mystical tradition, tests such as composing mystical poetry were held to assess the spiritual capacity of individuals. These trials, like Mubahala, were designed to separate the sincere from the pretenders.
Success in Qur'anic recitation before great reciters is like a medal signifying capability and sincerity in comprehending the Divine Word.
Reciting the Qur'an from memory, due to its resemblance to revelation, was criticised, and recitation from the text was preferred as a more authentic method. This critique underscores the importance of precision and reverence for the Divine Word.
Success in practical examinations, such as driving tests, is an indicator of preparedness and confidence similar to spiritual readiness for Mubahala.
This discourse, by reflecting on verses 60 to 63 of Surah Al-Imran, elucidated Mubahala as a spiritual trial that distinguishes truth from falsehood. This event, emphasising certainty, Divine knowledge, and connection with God, was a test to prove the veracity of the Prophet (peace be upon him) and his Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them). Supplication, as a plea to the Divine Presence, and cursing the liars determined the outcome of this test. Falsehood, like a poisonous root, was exposed during Mubahala, and the truth of monotheism shone like a radiant light. Lived experiences, from church attendance to mystical visions and living with a spiritual guide, demonstrated the thirst for truth and the significance of sincere mentors. Although society is rife with corruption, righteous servants shine like brilliant stars, illuminating the path. This interpretation, preserving all details of the lectures, presented the truth of Mubahala to readers in a clear and coherent format.
Supervised by Sadegh Khademi
