The Qur’an also lays stress on the honesty of the prophets...

The Qur’an also lays stress on the honesty of the prophets, and the protection of the message until its deliverance to the people (refer to al-Shūra:107, 125, 143, 162, 178, 193, al-Takwīr:20-21, al-A’rāf:68, al-Jinn:26-28, al-Dukhān:18, al-Najm:5, al-Hijah:44-47) Other Cases of Infallibility The infallibility proved by the above theorem for the angels and prophets is limited to understanding and advertising revelation; however, there are other cases of infallibility, which cannot be approved by this theorem.

They can be divided into three types, infallibility in: a) Angels, b) Prophets (a) c) Other people such as the Holy Imams (a), the virgin Mary, and Fatima (a) By considering the infallibility of angels in cases other than that of understanding and advertising revelation, two points can be discussed: The first is the infallibility for the angels of revelation with relation to their duties other than revelation, and the other is related to the angels who are not in charge of revelation at all, for example the angels who are responsible for man’s sustenance (rizq), recording deeds (kitābat al- a’māl), …etc.

Moreover, with reference to the infallibility of the prophets in cases not related to their prophecy, two points can be mentioned: The first is the prophets infallibility against sin and rebellion (‘usyān), and the second is their infallibility against unintentional deeds or forgetfulness. The latter can be discussed in relation to infallibility in non-prophets as well.

The problem of the infallibility of angels in relation to cases other than that of understanding and advertising revelation cannot be looked at through the ‘wisdom theorem’, unless the nature of the angels is first recognised. However, to discuss their nature is neither easy nor relevant to our discussion here; therefore, I refer the reader to the following two verses of the Holy Qur’an which express the infallibility of angels: “Rather they are [His] honoured servants.

They do not venture to speak ahead of Him, and they act by His command” (al-Anbiyā’:26-27). “Who do not disobey whatever Allah has commanded them, and carry out what they are commanded” (al-Tahrīm:6). These two verses clearly state that the angels are gentle servants who carry out their duties under the supervision of their Lord and never disobey Him. However, the generality of the verses with respect to all the angels is debatable.