The interaction of the holy Prophet Mohammad (s.a.) with the intellectual opponents

Reading the Prophet’s practice of dealing with the intellectual opponents, especially when he was in power and Islam was dominant in the Arabian Peninsula, can reveal the limits of tolerance for Muslims in power today. One of the most important events of the last years of the Prophet’s life is the event of Mubahila. Mubahila - in addition to being a proof of the accuracy and legitimacy of the position of the Ahl al-Bayt )as(, and the unity of the holy Prophet’s soul with the Commander of the Faithful, Imam Ali (pbut), and being one of the reasons for the Imamate of Imam Ali (pbuh) - as took place in the period after the conquest of Mecca ,it contains important points in dealing with the intellectual opponents. One of the most important characteristics of the Prophet’s interaction with the Christians of Bani Najran tribe in this event is his kind listening to the arguments of the other side, expressing convincing and wise reasons, using the sources accepted by the other side in dialogue, and, at the same time, showing compassion and love to the other side, while avoiding violence and pressure in scientific discourse. At the same time, the permission to hold some religious ceremonies is another feature of the Prophet’s dealing with the minorities in the dispute. Following the example of the holy Prophet’s practice in dealing with intellectual opponents is a good lesson for those in power in dealing with the Baha’is nowadays.