Infallibility of Imams: Difference between revisions

* '''Theologians' definition:''' 'Adliyya (i.e., [[Imami]] and [[Mu'tazilite]]) theologians have defined infallibility in terms of [[Principle of Lutf|lutf]] (grace). According to this view, infallibility is a grace bestowed upon the servant by God, enabling the servant to refrain from wrongdoing or sin. In contrast, [[Ash'arites]] have defined infallibility as God's act of not creating sins within the infallible individual.

* '''Philosophers' definition:''' Muslim philosophers define infallibility as a psychological disposition that prevents an individual from committing sins. This definition is said to be grounded in philosophical principles regarding the [[Unity of acts (tawhid al-af'al)|unity of acts]], according to which human actions, by mediation of their soul with free will, are ultimately attributed to God.

# Infallibility in understanding divine rulings

# Infallibility in applying divine rulings

# Infallibility in discerning the advantages and disadvantages of matters related to societal leadership

# Infallibility in ordinary life matters, both individual and social

Shiite scholars have presented numerous philosophical arguments to establish the infallibility of the Imams, including the following:

Impossibility of regress: If the Imam were not infallible, then another Imam would be required to guide him and correct his mistakes. This second Imam would also need to be infallible. If he were not, a third Imam would be necessary, and so on, leading to an infinite regress, which is impossible. Therefore, the chain must end with an Imam who is infallible and makes no mistakes.

Obligation of obedience: If the Imam were to make a mistake, it would become obligatory to dissociate from him and forbidden to obey him. However, this contradicts the Verse of Uli al-Amr, which commands the obedience of the Imams. Therefore, the Imam must be infallible.

Defeat of purpose: The purpose of appointing an Imam is for people to follow him in their affairs. If the Imam were not infallible and committed sins or mistakes, this purpose would be defeated, as people could no longer trust him.

Degradation of status: If an Imam were to commit sins, his status would become lower than that of other sinners, since his knowledge of God and religion is greater, and his intellect is more perfect. This would result in a more severe divine punishment, a scenario that is incompatible with the exalted status of an Imam.

The philosophical arguments establish the infallibility of the Imams without identifying specific individuals. Jafar Sobhani argues that all the reasons given for the infallibility of prophets, such as the fulfillment of the prophetic mission's objectives and gaining the trust of the people, also apply to the infallibility of the Imams. In his view, the infallibility of the Imams is essential for a denomination like Shiism, where the role of the Imamate is considered a continuation of the prophetic mission. It would be impossible to continue this mission without the infallibility of the Imams.

Quranic verses such as the Trial of Ibrahim Verse, Uli al-Amr Verse, al-Tathir Verse, al-Sadiqin Verse, al-Mawadda Verse, and al-Salawat Verse have been cited as evidence for the infallibility of Imams.

===The Trial of Ibrahim Verse===

In the argument based on the al-Ibtila Verse, it is asserted that the general statement “My pledge does not extend to the unjust” implies that anyone who was ever unhust is disqualified from being an Imam. Therefore, the verse suggests the infallibility of Imams both during and before their Imamate. Al-Fadil al-Miqdad presents the argument from this verse as follows: a non-infallible person is unjust (first premise); an unjust individual is not qualified for the Imamate (second premise); therefore, a non-infallible person is not qualified for the Imamate, meaning the Imam must be infallible. Shiite scholars interpret the phrase “My pledge” in verse 124 of Sura al-Baqara as referring to the covenant of Imamate.

===Uli al-Amr Verse===

In their appeal to the Uli al-Amr Verse, Shiite scholars argue that the verse commands unconditional obedience to the "Uli al-Amr" (those vested with authority). This command implies the infallibility of the "Uli al-Amr." This is because if they were not infallible and could commit sins or errors, God's wisdom and justice would not allow for the command of absolute obedience to them. Based on certain hadiths, Shias believe that "Uli al-Amr" refers to the Shiite Imams.