"Fatima is a part of me and whoever makes her angry, makes me angry.

"Fatima is a part of me and whoever makes her angry, makes me angry." The traditions also confirm this and also his natural inclination towards Ali and his grandchildren, Hasan and Husein. Therefore, it becomes a duty for the Prophet's nation to follow the Prophet's traditions in respect to his Ahlul-Bait. The Almighty says: "...Say (O Muhammad say unto mankind) if you love Allah, then follow me, Allah will love you..." Holy Qur'an (3:31) 3.

The Verse of Malediction (Mubahala): "But whoever disputes with you (O' Muhammad) 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 selves and your selves, then let us beseech Allah and invoke His curse upon the liars." Holy Qur'an (3:61) This verse points towards an epoch-making event, narrated by all historians and commentators; an event which revealed to the Muslims the status of the family of the Prophet (Ahlul-Bait) (a.s.) (Ali, Fatima, Hasan and Husein), and how near and dear they are to Allah, the Exalted.

It is narrated that a deputation* from the Christians of Najran came to the Prophet of Islam to argue the merits of their faith and also to discuss with him concerning his prophethood. The Holy Prophet advanced to them arguments showing that Jesus, the son Mary, was a human being and a Prophet, and it was blasphemy to regard him as a son of Allah, because Allah, the Exalted, is high above all such human characteristics.

It was when the Prophet, having argued the point fully and convincingly, found them still deliberately persisting in their false belief in the deity of Prophet Jesus, that Allah revealed this verse. It was a challenge to the Christians, to pray and invoke Allah that the curse may overtake the party that insisted upon falsehood.

__________________ *-The deputation was comprised of three prominant Christian leaders of Arabia, Abdul-Masih, the political leader; al-Ayham in-charge of their Agro-Pastoral affairs; and Abu Hatam ibn Alqama, who was a Bishop or Pontiff.

Early the next morning on the 24th of the lunar month of Dhilhijja, the Prophet, in accordance with Allah's command, came out to the meeting grounds, carrying Husein in his arms and leading Hasan "our sons" by his hand, followed by his beloved daughter Fatima "our women", behind whom came Ali "our selves" carrying the banner of Islam.