A Comparative Study of the Merits of Ahlulbayt (AS) in the Verse of Mubahala

The practice of mubahalah (malediction or imprecation) has been common among people since time immemorial. However, mubahalah in this verse is unique and there are special qualities that are particular to the Prophet and the Christians of Najran. The household of the Prophet accompanying him in this event which entailed important results which both Shia and Sunni denominations have interpreted differently. Some Sunni exegetes accept it as a virtue while others have cast doubt about it when interpreting the verse. That is because the Prophet could take other companions with him but he took only five members of the cloak (aal-e 'aba) and this is a clear proof of the superiority and merit of Hazrat Ali, Lady Fatima Zahra, Imam Hasan and Imam Hussein (AS) over others.