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Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books Theological Instructions LESSON TWEWNTY-FIVE: THE REASONS FOR THE INFALLIBILITY OF PROPHETS Introduction The belief in the immunity of the prophets (a) against sin, whether intentional or unintentional is one of the important and categorical beliefs in Shi’ism. The great Imams (a) have verified this fact to their followers and used different discourses to deal with the relevant challenges raised by its opponents.

One of the most popular arguments in this relation is that of Imam Rida (a), and has been recorded in the books of tradition and history. However, to deny the forgetfulness of the prophet with reference to the lawful and everyday aspects of their lives has been more or less a matter of debate, and the sayings from the Prophet’s Household are not free from discrepancy. Nevertheless, research on such sayings needs further explanation, although such a belief is by no means fundamental.

Moreover, there are other reasons for the infallibility of the prophets, which can be divided into two groups: Intellectual and traditional (Qur’anic).Although traditional reasons are more trustworthy, two intellectual and some traditional reasons for the infallibility of the prophets will be discussed in this chapter.

Intellectual reasons for the infallibility of prophets (a) The first intellectual reason for the necessity of the prophets’ immunity against committing sin, is that the main objective for their mission is to guide man towards the truth and teach him how to perform the duties God has assigned to him. Moreover, the prophets are in fact the representatives of God among men and must guide them towards the right path (al-sirāt al-mustaqīm).

However, if such representatives and missionaries do not obey the Divine instructions themselves and their behaviour contradicts their mission, people will find the contrast between their words and behaviour contradictory and, therefore, the objective of their mission will not be thoroughly fulfilled. Thus, God’s wisdom and kindness necessitates that the prophets be pure and innocent, and for them to refrain from committing any undeserving action even if unintentional or due to forgetfulness.

The people will thus never accept unwillingness or forgetfulness as an excuse for the prophets to commit a sin.