THE STATUS AND INFALLIBILITY OF THE PROPHETS FROM MAJOR AND MINOR SINS IN ISLAM

THE STATUS AND INFALLIBILITY OF THE PROPHETS FROM MAJOR AND MINOR SINS IN ISLAM

Islamic Belief Regarding the Infallibility of the Prophets (ʿIsmah)

The belief of Muslims concerning the prophets is that all the prophets of Allah were protected from deliberate major and minor sins. They did not persist in wrongdoing like ordinary humans. If any mistake occurred, it was not intentional rebellion, but rather a momentary lapse, forgetfulness, or an error of judgment, which Allah immediately corrected through revelation. These incidents were never left unrectified.

Allah clarifies this reality through the story of Adam (peace be upon him):

“And We had already taken a promise from Adam before, but he forgot; and We found not in him determination.”
(Qur’an 20:115)

Adam did not disobey out of arrogance or defiance. Rather:

“But Satan caused him to slip out of it and removed them from that condition in which they had been.”
(Qur’an 2:36)

After realizing his mistake, Adam immediately repented, and Allah accepted it:

“Then Adam received from his Lord words [of repentance], and He accepted his repentance. Indeed, He is the Accepting of repentance, the Merciful.”
(Qur’an 2:37)

Similarly, Yūnus (Jonah, peace be upon him) did not leave his people in deliberate disobedience to Allah, but he underestimated the gravity of his action. Allah mentions:

“And [mention] the man of the fish, when he went off in anger and thought that We would not decree anything upon him.”
(Qur’an 21:87)

When he realized his error, he turned to Allah in sincere repentance:

“There is no deity except You; exalted are You. Indeed, I have been of the wrongdoers.”
(Qur’an 21:87)

Allah immediately responded:

“So We responded to him and saved him from the distress. And thus do We save the believers.”
(Qur’an 21:88)

Allah also states clearly:

“Had he not been of those who exalt Allah, he would have remained inside it until the Day they are resurrected.”
(Qur’an 37:143–144)

This shows that prophets are quick to repent, deeply conscious of Allah, and never persist in error.

Regarding Dāwūd (David, peace be upon him), Allah emphasizes his immediate return to Allah:

“And David became certain that We had tried him, and he asked forgiveness of his Lord and fell down bowing and turned in repentance.”
(Qur’an 38:24)

Allah then honored him further:

“So We forgave him that; and indeed, for him is nearness to Us and a good place of return.”
(Qur’an 38:25)

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The Wisdom Behind These Incidents

These incidents were not flaws, but lessons. Allah allowed such moments to show the world that:

• Prophets are human, not divine.
• Their greatness lies in immediate repentance and humility.
• Even at the highest level of righteousness—Prophethood—they remain servants of Allah, completely dependent on Him.

Allah says:

“Those are the ones whom Allah has guided, so from their guidance take an example.”
(Qur’an 6:90)

And He also says:

“They are honored servants. They do not precede Him in speech, and they act only by His command.”
(Qur’an 21:26–27)

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Conclusion

In Islam, prophets are protected, purified, and guided by Allah. Any momentary mistake was immediately corrected by divine revelation, unlike ordinary humans whose errors may remain uncorrected. This divine correction itself is a mercy and a proof of their special status, while simultaneously affirming that they are servants of Allah—not gods.

They were in need of Allah to guide and purify them, and they were not like Allah (Al-Quddus), The Most Holy, who is free from all flaws. This serves to make them examples of repentance, showing how to humble oneself before the Lord Most High, even as a prophet, and to abandon arrogance. This humility makes a person higher than the angels, for angels do not repent or humble themselves to Allah as humans do after committing wrong actions. Angels are the soldiers of Allah, protected and guarded from the influence of devils, and the devils fear and flee from their presence. The prophets are examples of righteousness and divine guidance from Allah, similar to us as children of Adam, and all the children of Adam are inherently inclined to sin.

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:

“All the children of Adam are sinners, and the best of sinners are those who repent.”

(Reported by At-Tirmidhi, Hadith 2499)

YUSUF WAS PROTECTED FROM ADULTERY DUE TO HIM BEING A PROPHET

Prophet Yusuf (Joseph) is often described in the Qur'an and in Islamic tradition as the most beautiful and handsome man to ever walk the earth. His beauty was unparalleled, and it was so striking that it became a central part of his story. However, it is not only his physical appearance that distinguishes him, but also his inner strength, his patience, and the divine protection that Allah bestowed upon him, especially in his most challenging moments.

The Unmatched Beauty of Yusuf

Yusuf's beauty was not just a matter of external appearance but an inner radiance that was divinely bestowed upon him. His beauty was so extraordinary that it became legendary. The Qur'an briefly touches on the extent of his beauty when the women of the city, upon seeing him, were so mesmerized by his appearance that they cut their hands:

"And when they saw him, they greatly admired him and cut their hands. And they said, 'Perfect is Allah; this is not a man; this is none but a noble angel."

(Qur'an, Surah Yusuf, 12:31)

The women, upon catching sight of Yusuf, were so overwhelmed by his beauty that they could not control their reactions. They were so taken by his appearance that they unintentionally cut their hands while trying to hold their knives. This incident highlights just how exceptional Yusuf's physical beauty was—his very presence could leave people in awe and astonishment.

The Temptation and Allah’s Protection

Despite his unmatched beauty, it was not just Yusuf's physical allure that mattered in his story; it was his character and his connection with Allah. As he matured, Yusuf was placed in a vulnerable situation: he was sold into slavery and became the servant of a high-ranking official in Egypt, Al-Aziz. There, the wife of Al-Aziz, who was a woman of great status, became infatuated with him. She desired him and attempted to seduce him, offering him an opportunity for an illicit relationship. However, Yusuf's reaction was one of firm rejection.

In Surah Yusuf, Allah reveals that although Yusuf was immensely tempted, he resisted due to his faith in Allah and the protection given to him because of his status as a prophet:

"And she, in whose house he was, sought to seduce him. She locked the doors and said, 'Come, you.' He answered, 'I seek refuge in Allah. Indeed, he is my master, who has made good my residence. Indeed, wrongdoers will never succeed.'"

(Qur'an, Surah Yusuf, 12:23)

At that moment, Yusuf sought refuge in Allah, recognizing the magnitude of the temptation and the danger it posed. The Qur'an explains that, had it not been for the divine protection granted to him as a prophet, Yusuf might have faltered, just like any other human. But Allah's grace kept him safe from sin.

"And she certainly desired him, and he would have desired her had he not seen the proof of his Lord. Thus it was, that We might avert from him evil and immorality. Indeed, he was of Our chosen servants."

(Qur'an, Surah Yusuf, 12:24)

This verse makes it clear that Allah protected Yusuf from committing this grave sin. It emphasizes that, had it not been for Allah’s intervention and the divine "proof" that Yusuf received, he could have been led astray. The "proof" refers to the guidance, strength, and wisdom that Allah bestowed upon him as a prophet. As a result, Yusuf was able to resist the overwhelming temptation and avoid the act of zina (illicit sexual relations). This was not just an ordinary test; it was a divine safeguard because Yusuf was a prophet, and Allah protected His chosen servants in ways that others might not be shielded.

The Status of a Prophet and Divine Protection

The Qur'an underscores that prophets are not immune to the trials and temptations of life; rather, their challenges are often more severe. However, as the chosen servants of Allah, they are also given a higher level of protection from sin and error. This protection is a direct result of their status as prophets, who are sent by Allah to guide humanity and exemplify moral and spiritual excellence.

For Yusuf, the protection from zina(illegal sex) was not merely due to his personal willpower but also because of his elevated status as a prophet. His beauty, while it might have caused turmoil and temptation, was also part of Allah’s plan to showcase how is the faith, purity, and divine intervention of Prophethood which can protect even the most vulnerable from falling into sin. Yusuf's rejection of the temptation was not just a personal victory but a reflection of Allah’s mercy and guidance.

Yusuf’s Unwavering Faith

Throughout his story, Yusuf remained steadfast in his faith and trust in Allah. When he was thrown into the well by his brothers, when he was sold into slavery, and when he faced temptation in Egypt, Yusuf's relationship with Allah remained unshaken. His belief in Allah’s power and wisdom was the anchor that kept him grounded, even in the most trying of circumstances.

Yusuf's story is ultimately one of divine protection, patience, and the rewards of maintaining one's integrity despite overwhelming trials. His beauty, while extraordinary, was not the only defining feature of his life. It was his unwavering commitment to Allah and His protection that ensured Yusuf's success. Allah preserved him from sin, not because of his beauty alone, but because he was a prophet—chosen, guided, and protected by Allah in ways that others were not.

Conclusion

The story of Yusuf is not just about his outward beauty but about his inner strength and his devotion to Allah. It is a story of how, despite the most intense temptations and challenges, a prophet of Allah remains steadfast in faith, protected by divine wisdom. Yusuf's rejection of the wife of Al-Aziz’s advances was not just due to his own strength but was a direct result of Allah's mercy and protection for His chosen servants, ensuring that they remain pure and exemplary in the face of trials.

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