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Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books Faith and Reason Question 21: The infallibility of the Prophets in the Qur’an Question: Explain the infallibility of the prophets. Why is it that some verses of the Qur`an contradict their infallibility?

Brief Answer The answer to these questions can be summarized in the following points: Infallibility is a state of the soul that makes an infallible person shun sins or any unpalatable acts and protects him from mistakes and forgetfulness without negating his free will.

The secret behind the infallibility of the prophets lies in their direct vision and intuition of reality, their perfect faith and certainty, and their deep love for Allah (awj); along with their profound awareness of Allah’s (awj) majesty and the realization of His attributes. In addition, through infallibility, Allah (awj) strengthens the prophets against the deceptions of Satan and the desires of the carnal soul.

Numerous rational proofs confirm the necessity of the infallibility of the prophets. The clearest of these proofs is the fact that Allah’s (awj) purpose in creating man can only be fulfilled through their infallibility. If some verses of the Qur`an seem at first glance to contradict these rational proofs, we must examine those verses more carefully, reflect deeper on their apparent meaning, and uncover their true meaning.

Numerous verses affirm the existence and even the necessity of infallibility, although the term “infallibility” has not been used. We cite below some examples: a. Some verses describe a number of the prophets as mukhlasin (those who have been purified). For example, see 38:45-48. In these verses, one who is mukhlas is one who has not been and cannot be misguided by Satan. b. Numerous verses explain that the prophets have been guided by Allah (awj). For example, see 6:84-90.

It is inconceivable that someone who has been guided by Allah (awj) could be misguided or make a mistake. c. In many verses Allah (awj) has unconditionally commanded people to obey the prophets. See 3:31-32 and 4:80 and 24:52. It is clear that such an unconditional command from Allah (awj) requires that they be infallible. d. The verses 72:26-28 indicate that Allah (awj) protects his prophets from all perspectives. e.

The Verse of Purification ( ayah al-tathir ) found in 33:33 clearly indicates the infallibility of (ص).