Life of Ahmad — Page 153
as ADDRESSES THE A RYA SAM A J 153 ORIGIN OF MUB A HALA In Islam Mub a hala originated with its Founder. We read in the Holy Quran: 'This is the truth from your Lord, so be not of those who doubt. 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 our people and your people, then let us be earnest in prayer, and pray for the curse of Allah on the liars. ' ( A l-e-‘Imr a n 3:61-62). A Christian deputation came to the Holy Prophet sa from Najran in 10 A. H. It consisted of 60 men, headed by Abdul Mas ih. The deputation was lodged in the Mosque. The Holy Prophet sa explained to them that Jesus as was not God, but a man and a Prophet as. When the discussion reached the limit and the Christians persisted in their erroneous belief, the Holy Prophet sa invited them as a last resort to pray earnestly with him that the curse of God might overtake the party that insisted on falsehood. A period of one year was fixed in which the effect of this prayer was to be judged. This is called Mub a hala.