What Is the Concept of Infallibility (‘Isma) for Prophets?
Answered by Shaykh Bassem Itani
Question
What is the concept of infallibility (‘isma) for prophets in the Islamic creed?
Answer
All praise is due to Allah, Lord of the worlds, and blessings and peace be upon our master Muhammad, his Family, and all his Companions.
Definition of Infallibility (‘Isma)
The concept of ‘isma (infallibility) in the Islamic creed refers to Allah’s protection of the prophets from committing prohibited actions.
This means that prophets do not fall into sin. They are safeguarded from internal prohibitions such as envy, hatred, hypocrisy, and arrogance, as well as external prohibitions like fornication, usury, drinking alcohol, lying, and similar acts. Infallibility is a trait exclusive to the prophets.
Infallibility Before and After Prophethood
According to the consensus of the scholars of Ahl al-Sunna wa al-Jama‘a, infallibility is obligatory for prophets both before and after they receive prophethood. They are protected from intentional sinning, whether major or minor, and even from disliked actions (makruh), both before and after prophethood.
As for the texts that might suggest that prophets committed sins, they have valid interpretations recognized by scholars. For example, when Prophet Adam ate from the tree, it was out of forgetfulness and not intentional disobedience, so it is not considered a sin. Allah (Most High) says:
“And indeed, We once made a covenant with Adam, but he forgot, and (so) We did not find determination in him.” [Quran, 20:115]
Prophetic Actions and Legislation
A prophet may sometimes perform a slightly disliked (not sinful) action deliberately to show that it is not forbidden, such as drinking water while standing. This is not considered a violation but rather a form of legislation for us.
Some scholars have argued that prophets may commit minor sins before prophethood, but not after. Others suggest that prophets might commit minor acts without baseness after receiving prophethood but immediately repent. However, the dominant opinion is that prophets are infallible from even minor sins, and this is the view of the majority of scholars, as it upholds the highest respect for the prophets [See: Dardir, al-Kharida al-Bahiyya]
The Wisdom Behind Infallibility
The wisdom behind the infallibility of prophets is that they serve as role models for people in all matters. If prophets committed prohibited actions, people would follow their example, which would lead to harm and undermine the credibility of their prophethood and message. This is impossible for prophets, peace be upon them.
[Shaykh] Bassem Itani
Shaykh Dr. Bassem Hussayn Itani was born in Beirut, Lebanon, in 1965. He earned his Ph.D. in Islamic Studies in 2005. Among his mentors were Shaykh Muhammad Taha Sukkar, Shaykh Adib al-Kallas, Shaykh Mulla Abdul ‘Alim al-Zinki, Shaykh Abdul Rahman al-Shaghouri, Shaykh Abdul Razzaq al-Halabi, Shaykh Dr. Mustafa Dib al-Bugha, Shaykh Dr. Wahba al-Zuhayli, Dr. Muhammad al-Zuhayli, and others, may Allah have mercy on them all.
Shaykh Itani has a rich background in both academic and administrative fields. He has held significant positions in many governmental and non-governmental institutions in Lebanon and abroad. This includes his role as a member of the Academic Committee at SeekersGuidance and a senior teacher with the free online global seminary.
From 2020 to 2021, he served as the Dean of the College of Da‘wa – University for Islamic Studies (Lebanon) – Postgraduate Studies. He was the Director of Dar Iqra for Islamic Sciences from 1998 to 2018. Shaykh Itani is a well-versed teacher in several academic subjects, including Fiqh, Usul, Aqida, and Tafsir. He has supervised and examined numerous Master’s and Doctoral theses at various universities and colleges in Lebanon.
His contributions to Islamic sciences are also evident in his writings and research. His notable works include “The Relied-upon Statements of Imam Zufar in the Hanafi School,” “Collective Ijtihad: The Sublimity of Thought in the 21st Century,” and “Custom and its Impact in Islamic Jurisprudence.” Shaykh Itani has actively participated in numerous scientific conferences and seminars, both in Lebanon and internationally. He is linguistically adept, excelling in Arabic, proficient in French, and comfortably conversant in English.