Exposing Islam

Standard Islamic Perspective:

Why Did Muhammad Use Oaths and Curses (Mubahala and Public Condemnation)?

Introduction: Understanding Oaths and Curses in Islam

In Islamic tradition, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ is known for his profound mercy, patience, and forgiveness. Yet there are instances recorded in Islamic history where he used oaths (mubahala) and public curses against his opponents, both among his followers and his enemies. For some, this may seem contradictory to his image as a mercy to the worlds. But within the framework of Islamic theology, these actions are seen as a legitimate means of establishing truth, warning against falsehood, and maintaining the integrity of the Muslim community.

This explanation will provide a detailed understanding of why and how Muhammad used oaths and curses, drawing from the Qur’an, authentic Hadith, and classical Islamic scholarship.

1. Mubahala: The Divine Duel of Truth

A. The Qur’anic Basis of Mubahala

The practice of mubahala (mutual invocation of curses) is explicitly mentioned in the Qur’an, in the context of a debate with a Christian delegation from Najran:

“Then whoever argues with you about it after [this] knowledge has come to you – say, ‘Come, let us call our sons and your sons, our women and your women, ourselves and yourselves, then supplicate earnestly [together] and invoke the curse of Allah upon the liars.’”
— (Surah Aal-e-Imran 3:61)

Context: This verse was revealed when a Christian delegation from Najran came to Medina to debate with the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ regarding the nature of Jesus (Isa). Despite extensive discussions, they continued to reject his message.
Purpose: Mubahala was offered as a final proof — a divine test where both parties would call upon Allah to curse the liars among them. This was not merely an exchange of insults, but a means of invoking divine judgment.
The Outcome: The Christian delegation chose not to participate in mubahala, fearing the consequences. Instead, they agreed to a peaceful settlement with the Muslims.

B. Theological Significance of Mubahala

A Divine Challenge: Mubahala is a demonstration of absolute confidence in the truth of one’s message. By invoking Allah’s curse upon the liars, it is believed that Allah will expose falsehood.
A Last Resort: Mubahala is not a standard method of debate. It is used only when all other avenues of dialogue have been exhausted, and falsehood is persistently maintained.
A Sign of Prophethood: Islamic scholars view the willingness of Muhammad to engage in mubahala as a sign of his prophethood, as only someone absolutely certain of their divine guidance would dare to call upon divine wrath.

2. Public Condemnation and Curses: A Means of Protecting the Community

A. Warnings Against Hypocrites (Munafiqun)

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ sometimes used public condemnation against hypocrites (those who outwardly claimed to be Muslims but secretly opposed Islam). This was to protect the Muslim community from internal corruption.

Example: Abdullah ibn Ubayy, the leader of the hypocrites in Medina, frequently conspired against the Prophet and the Muslims. Although Muhammad showed patience with him for a long time, there were instances where his treachery was publicly condemned.
Purpose: Such public condemnations served to warn the community against the dangers of hypocrisy and to maintain the unity of the Muslim Ummah.

B. Condemnation of Those Who Harmed the Muslims

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ also invoked curses against those who actively harmed the Muslim community or opposed the message of Islam.

Example of the Tragedy of Bir Ma’una: A group of Muslim missionaries were treacherously murdered by hostile tribes. The Prophet ﷺ, deeply grieved, invoked curses upon the tribes responsible:

“O Allah, curse the tribe of Ri’l, Dhakwan, Usayyah, and Banu Lihyan, for they have disobeyed Allah and His Messenger.”
— (Sahih Bukhari 4090)

Purpose: Such curses were not personal acts of vengeance but were meant to affirm divine justice and emphasize the severity of treachery against the Muslims.

3. Curses as a Form of Divine Warning

A. Invoking Allah’s Curse as a Means of Establishing Justice

In the context of a legal dispute, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ occasionally used curses to establish the truth and warn against false testimony.

Example of Li’an (Mutual Cursing in Accusations of Adultery): If a husband accused his wife of adultery but lacked four witnesses, he could invoke a series of oaths and curses (Li’an) against her. If she reciprocated with her own oaths, she would be absolved, but their marriage would be dissolved.

“But it will prevent punishment from her if she testifies four times by Allah that he is lying.”
— (Surah An-Nur 24:8)

Purpose: Li’an was a means of resolving serious accusations without resorting to unjust punishment. The invocation of divine curses was a solemn reminder of the consequences of falsehood.

B. A Warning Against Arrogance and Mockery

The Prophet ﷺ also invoked curses against those who mocked or attacked him unjustly.

Example of His Response to Personal Insults: When some members of the Quraysh mocked him, he invoked divine retribution upon them, and many of those individuals later faced divine punishment or calamities.
Purpose: Such curses were not acts of personal revenge, but rather warnings against the arrogance and mockery of divine guidance.

4. The Prophetic Balance: Mercy vs. Condemnation

A. Mercy Was the Default Approach

Despite the instances of oaths and curses, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ is overwhelmingly described in Islamic sources as a figure of mercy:

“And We have not sent you, [O Muhammad], except as a mercy to the worlds.”
— (Surah Al-Anbiya 21:107)
He forgave the people of Mecca after their surrender, despite years of persecution.
He prayed for the guidance of his enemies, such as Abu Jahl, Umar ibn al-Khattab, and the people of Ta’if.

B. Curses Were Reserved for Severe Injustice and Persistent Falsehood

The use of curses and oaths was a means of establishing divine truth, protecting the Muslim community, and warning against hypocrisy and treachery.

A Final Proof: When all other means of dialogue and persuasion failed, curses were used as a final test of divine truth (mubahala).
A Public Warning: Public condemnation of hypocrites and traitors served to protect the Muslim community from internal harm.
A Means of Maintaining Justice: Curses were a reminder of divine accountability for those who oppressed or betrayed the Muslims.

5. Conclusion: A Balanced Approach to Divine Justice

The use of oaths, curses, and public condemnation by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ is not a contradiction of his character as a “mercy to the worlds.” Rather, it reflects the balance between mercy and justice that is central to Islamic teaching.

Mubahala (invocation of curses) was a divine means of establishing truth when dialogue failed.
Public condemnation protected the Muslim community from internal and external threats.
Curses served as a divine warning against hypocrisy, falsehood, and treachery.

In Islam, the Prophet is seen as a model of compassion and justice. His use of oaths and curses was not a display of anger or hatred, but a means of upholding divine truth and protecting the community.