The 24th of Dhul-Hijja marks the anniversary of the important event of Mubahala. Mubahala means mutual prayer and supplication against one another. This event relates to a dispute that arose in the tenth year of the Hijra regarding certain false beliefs between the Messenger of God (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him and his family) and a group of Christians. Ultimately, based on verse 61 of Surah Al Imran, it was agreed that each side would gather at a designated place with their loved ones and ask God to curse whichever group had lied.
This meeting took place on this very day; however, when the elders of Najran saw that the Messenger of God had come to the Mubahala accompanied by Hazrat Ali, Fatima, Hassan, and Hussein (peace be upon them), they feared the consequences of the curse of these radiant figures and withdrew from the Mubahala.
Several acts of devotion have been narrated for this blessed day, the most important of which are the ritual bath (ghusl) and fasting.