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Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books Theological Instructions LESSON TWEWNTY-SIX: RESPONSE TO CERTAIN DOUBTS Introduction Some doubts have been put forward with relation to the infallibility of the prophets; the following introduces those doubts and presents their relevant responses: Why does an infallible person deserve reward?

If Almighty God has immunised the prophets (a) against committing sins and if the performance of their duties is guaranteed, they would therefore have no freedom in their choice, and as a result they would not deserve any reward for performing their duties properly or for avoiding sins. In other words, any other person who was provided by God with infallibility would behave similarly.

The response to the above doubt has been given in my previous discussions; however to summarise; having infallibility does not mean being obliged to perform duties or avoid sins. Just because the prophets know that God has provided them with infallibility and that He is their protector, does not mean that they have no choice over the optional aspects of their lives.

As discussed in previous lessons, although God’s will dominates the occurrence of all events, it does not intervene or repel man’s will, but rather parallels it. However, when God’s attention towards man accommodates a specific achievement, connecting it to God (saying that ‘God did it’), it is nothing more than man’s double concern about Him.

Nevertheless, God’s attention towards the innocent, like providing particular people with specific means, conditions, and facilities, makes their responsibilities heavier. Therefore, as they might receive more reward for their obedience, they may also receive more punishment for their disobedience. Thus, their reward and punishment will balance although the innocent person, by his proper choice, will not be entitled to punishment.

The same analogy can be used for all others who enjoy a particular merit, for example, scholars and members of the Prophet’s family (refer to al-Ahzāb:30-33) regarding the Prophet’s wives. Those who have higher or more essential responsibilities will similarly receive higher reward for their good deeds, just as they will receive more severe punishments for their sins (provided that they commit sins).

This is why those in charge of higher spiritual positions face a greater danger of decline and are more afraid of becoming deviated. Why did the infallible Prophets and Imams (a) confess to committing sins?