Quran and Hadith Studies
A Critical Analysis of Narratives Contrary to the Prophetic Infallibility (ʿIṣma) of the Prophet of Islam (PBUH)
Document Type : Review Article
Author
Assistant Professor, Department of Quran and Hadith Sciences, Shahrekord University, Shahrekord, Iran.
Abstract
The infallibility (ʿIṣma) of the Prophet of Islam (PBUH) is one of the important topics that has been referenced and emphasized in the Qur’ān and authentic narrations, just as the rational approach also supports and confirms this matter. Nevertheless, in some important Sunni narration sources, there are reports that challenge this infallibility and diminish the spiritual and moral personality of the Prophet. The narration of these reports, in addition to casting doubt on the Prophet's infallibility, has become a tool for casting suspicion by some Orientalists and opponents regarding his personality. On this basis, the present essay, using a descriptive-analytical method and a hadith criticism approach focusing on text critique, will - by critiquing these narrations and referencing Qur’ānic verses and conclusive and reliable evidence - prove the infallibility of the Prophet of Islam both before and after his prophethood. The research result indicates that: narrations contradicting the Prophet's infallibility are in absolute contradiction with the verses of the Holy Qur’ān and solid traditional and rational evidence, and therefore are not acceptable. Furthermore, the comprehensive traditional and rational evidence serves as conclusive proofs for critiquing and rejecting any narration contradicting the Prophet's infallibility, even if it has a sound chain of transmission and is recorded in a credible book.
Keywords
Main Subjects
The Holy Quran.
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