Document Type : Original Article

Author

• hasan sadegi

سطح چهار فقه و اصول حوزه علمیه قم

Abstract

Among the verses denoting the chastity of prophets and Imams, is the 124^th verse of Al-Baqara. Its most important clause states that “My covenant is not extended to the wrongdoers”. From Shi’ah’s perspective, this verse refers to the Imams’ being innocent of any flaw and guilt. Therefore, if someone commits a sin and then repents, he is no more entitled to prophecy and Imamate. However, Sunnis believe that absolute chastity is not required for prophecy and Imamate and in case of repentance from sin, one becomes eligible for prophecy and Imamate. The present article with an analytical-critical approach, substantiates the Shi’ah’s perspective regarding the absolute chastity of prophets and Imams mentioned in “لا ینال” verse and responds to some of the criticisms of respected authors. Like Shi’i scholars, the writer believes that in “لا ینال” verse, the word “wrong-doer” is “the time of possession (ĥāl al-talabbus)”, which is viewed as an absolute truth by all Uşūlīs and accordingly denotes absolute chastity. The claim that “wrong-doer” refers to someone who possesses the quality of wrongdoing rather than one who repents of sin is inadequate. Such claim is also inconsistent with other verses and narratives. Moreover, several recent criticisms targeted at “لا ینال” verse by some authors and its denotation of absolute chastity have proved to be inadequate.

Keywords

• the verse “لاینال” Infallibility of the Prophets
• al-mushtaqq
• wrong-doer