The Event of Mubahala: A Pagan Legacy in Islamic Scripture?

The historical event known as Mubahala occurred in 631 AD in Medina, located in the Arabian Peninsula, present-day Saudi Arabia. It involved a theological standoff between the Islamic Prophet Muhammad and a Christian delegation from Najran. The purpose was to address the disputed nature of Jesus Christ and determine the truth through a spiritual challenge invoking divine curse—a practice known as Mubahala.

What Is Mubahala?

The Arabic word Mubahala (Arabic: المباهلة) derives from the root word bahlah (بَهْلَة), meaning "curse," and its usage implies calling upon God to curse the party that is lying in a religious dispute. This pre-Islamic Arab ritual was commonly employed among Semitic tribes in the region long before the advent of Islam. Essentially, the practice was a type of religious duel involving the mutual imprecation of divine judgment.

Quran 3:61 is the foundational verse that details this ritual:

"Now, whoever disputes with you concerning Jesus after full knowledge has come to you, say, 'Come! Let us invite our sons and your sons, our women and your women, ourselves and yourselves—then let us sincerely pray and invoke Allah’s curse upon the liars.'" (Quran 3:61)

This method of resolving theological differences through supernatural condemnation is not found in Biblical doctrine, and in fact, is strongly condemned by the God of the Bible.

Pre-Islamic Roots and Biblical Rejection

Historical and archaeological evidence demonstrates that Mubahala was not a novel divine command but rather an entrenched pagan tradition that predates Islam. It bears resemblance to ancient Semitic practices of invoking curses to determine truth or falsehood—an action the Bible unequivocally classifies as witchcraft and abomination.

Deuteronomy 18:10-12 (KJV)"There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination… or a witch… For all that do these things are an abomination unto the LORD."

Leviticus 20:6 (KJV)"And the soul that turneth after such as have familiar spirits, and after wizards… I will even set my face against that soul."

Psalms 109:17 (KJV)"As he loved cursing, so let it come unto him..."

The use of cursing to determine divine truth is fundamentally incompatible with Biblical theology, which calls for discernment, debate, and righteousness—not superstition and ritualistic condemnation.

The Disputed Nature of Christ

The Christians of Najran rejected Muhammad's claims about Jesus, particularly denying that he was merely a prophet. The Trinitarian doctrine—though poorly articulated by many at the time—was the core of their objection. Rather than using logical reasoning or scripture, Muhammad offered a challenge of divine curse.

If Muhammad were truly a prophet, why didn’t he dismantle their theology using the scriptures they claimed to uphold? Even a well-informed Israelite today can refute the Trinity through the Tanakh and Gospels without invoking curses. Surely a prophet of God would be more equipped?

A Vague Revelation?

Interestingly, the so-called divine solution revealed in Quran 3:61 lacks clarity, coherence, and theological power. Rather than a decisive doctrinal rebuttal grounded in inspired truth, Allah’s solution is vague: "Invoke the curse." Such an approach contrasts with the rich consistency of the Bible, which spans over 66 books, written over a millennium by multiple inspired authors—all consistent in message and tone.

The temperament and tone of Allah in the Quran stands in stark contrast to the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The God of the Bible provides concrete answers, historical continuity, and moral absolutes. Allah’s response, by comparison, is abstract, and Muhammad’s reliance on ancient pagan customs speaks volumes.

Historical Accounts from Islamic Sources

According to Ibn Hisham, Ibn Sa’d, Al-Tabari, and other early Islamic historians:

• Muhammad offered Mubahala when the Christians wouldn't accept him as a prophet.

• The Christians hesitated, especially when Muhammad brought his closest family (Fatima, Ali, Hasan, Husayn).

• Their leaders feared divine retribution and declined the challenge.

• Instead, they agreed to pay the jizyah (tribute) for protection under Islamic rule.

Islamic sources report that the Christians were advised not to proceed with the curse. As-Sayyid Al-'Aqib, their leader, is quoted saying:

“If he challenges us with his family, do not accept it. He would not do so unless he were truthful.”

Despite this, the Christians did not convert. They instead negotiated a deal for peace and protection—a telling conclusion for what was claimed to be a spiritual ultimatum.

Muhammad’s Death and the Irony of the Curse

One of the most striking points often overlooked is the way Muhammad died—allegedly due to poisoning—and how this aligns eerily with the Qur'an’s own test for falsehood.

Quran 69:44-46"And if Muhammad had made up about Us some false sayings, We would have seized him by the right hand, then We would have cut from him the aorta."

Sahih Bukhari 4428Muhammad said: "O Aisha! I still feel the pain caused by the food I ate at Khaibar, and at this time, I feel as if my aorta is being cut from that poison."

Not only did Muhammad die within a year of the Mubahala event, but he also described his own death in a way that coincides exactly with the Quranic punishment for a false prophet. His daughter Fatima, present at the Mubahala, is also said to have died shortly thereafter.

Commentators like Ibn Hajar noted:

"What is known by experience is that one who takes part in Mubahala to support falsehood will not survive its first anniversary."(Fath al-Bari 8/59)

Ibn al-Qayyim affirmed this practice as a legitimate sunnah, but even then warned of its deadly consequences when used falsely:

"It is part of [sunna]… to call them to Mubahala… [but] falsehood will not survive its first anniversary."(Zad al-Ma’ad 3/643)

A Pagan Practice Masked as Prophecy

In conclusion, the Mubahala event is yet another example of how Islam incorporated pagan practices into its foundation and diverged from Biblical revelation. The invocation of curses, lack of doctrinal depth, and the prophetic failure surrounding Muhammad’s death all raise serious questions for anyone comparing the scriptures with sincerity.

The God of the Bible does not require curses to confirm truth. He invites repentance, reason, and righteousness—not superstition.

The more one examines Islam's foundational moments through the lens of Scripture and history, the clearer it becomes: Mubahala was not divine—it was desperation.