Infallibility of Imams: Difference between revisions

Some statements by Shiite Imams (a) are interpreted as being incompatible with their infallibility. For example, Imam Ali (a) is reported to have said to his companions: "Therefore, do not abstain from saying a truth or giving advice on justice because I do not regard myself as above erring. I do not escape erring in my actions unless Allah protects me." Scholars such as [[Shihab al-Din al-Alusi]], a Shafi'i jurist and Quranic exegete, [[Ahmad Amir al-Misri]], [['Abd al-'Aziz al-Dihlawi]], a Salafi scholar in [[India]], and Nasir al-Qaffari believe that this hadith contradicts the idea of Imam Ali's (a) infallibility and suggests the fallibility of the Imams (a).

[['Allama al-Majlisi]] and [[Mulla Salih Mazandarani]] interpret Imam Ali's (a) statement as an expression of his humility, aimed at encouraging his companions to be open to embracing the truth and acknowledging that infallibility is a divine grace. They compare this statement to [[Joseph (a)|Prophet Joseph's (a)]] words in the Quran: "Yet I do not absolve my [own carnal] soul, for the [carnal] soul indeed prompts [men] to evil, except inasmuch as my Lord has mercy."

[[Nasir Makarim Shirazi]] suggests that the statement "I do not regard myself as above erring," cited by opponents of infallibility, should be understood in conjunction with the phrase "unless Allah protects me." The first part indicates that, as a human, Imam Ali (a) is not inherently immune to error, but the second part implies that he is under God's protection and support, distinguishing him from ordinary human beings. Additionally, the Imam (a), in his role of teaching and guiding his companions, is emphasizing the constant possibility of error, [[Humility|humbling]] himself to set an example for them.

==The Imams' Confessions to Sins and Request of Forgiveness==

Opponents of infallibility argue that the Shiite Imams (a) admitted to committing sins and frequently sought divine [[forgiveness]], which they believe contradicts the idea of infallibility. It should be noted that there are reports of the Prophet (s) himself requesting forgiveness and repenting, including hadiths suggesting that the Prophet (s) sought forgiveness seventy times a day.

[[Muhammad Taqi al-Majlisi]] explains that the Imams (a) asked for forgiveness not because they had committed sins, but to teach people how to seek forgiveness. This is also how some Sunni scholars have justified the Prophet's (a) requests for forgiveness. Some scholars interpret the confessions of sins and requests for forgiveness by the Imams (a) as examples of the principle that "the good deeds of the pious are the sins of those close to God." This suggests that, due to their elevated spiritual status, the Imams considered themselves sinful when they had to engage in worldly matters for the benefit of others, and thus asked for forgiveness. The hadith from the Prophet (s), "Sometimes, my heart rusts, and I ask for forgiveness seventy times a day," is seen as referring to this concept. Some scholars believe that the main reason for the Prophet's (s) and the Imams' repentance and requests for forgiveness was their attention to worldly matters, which was necessary for life but distracted them from complete focus on God. According to 'Allama al-Majlisi, since the Infallibles have the highest level of knowledge about God and are deeply immersed in the divine essence, when they reflect on their actions, they perceive them as insignificant and sinful in light of God’s greatness, leading them to seek [[repentance]] and forgiveness.

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