نشریه سفینه
پیاپی 31 (تابستان 1390)

The subject of this article is the meaning of infallibility in terminology and practice; and the elements and requirements of infallibility according to the holy traditions and the Qur¨anic verses.The writer has discussed the views of the theologists and traditionalists about the "Infalliblity of the Prophets". In this research, he has talked about the elements & aspects of infalliblity, the science andwisdom, obedience of the Almighty. God, His blessings, and the holy Spirit.

The holy Prophet¨s practice and traditions include the interpretation and explanation of the holy Qur¨an, and teachings of Islam. The historical record of that practice is done with some changes and interferences. Therefore, any access to the true practice of the holy Prophet requires a serious effort.In order to discover and gain the Prophet¨s practice, some of the Muslims (the Shia community) have preferred to study and follow the practice and behavior of some of the companions (the distinguished family and progeny of the holy Prophet (p.b.u.t)); while the others - the Sunni community - are searching for the practice of the holy Prophet, in the practices and behaviors of the whole disciples.A detail study of the characteristics of the holy progeny of the prophet, and his companion; and comparing their histories and achievements will help us to judge the words and practices of which group - the infallible progeny of the holy Prophet (p.b.u.t), or his companions as a whole - more correctly and effectively resembles and manifests the practice of the holy Prophet (p.b.u.h)?We will finally see that the practices of the infallible progeny of the holy Prophet are more compatible with each other, and in firm compliance with the holy Qur¨an and the practice of the holy Prophet (p.b.u.h). But the practices of the companions, or different behaviors of a single companion, will not comply with the Quranic standards and the holy traditions, unless we apply unusual justifications.

By a study of the private and public aspects of the life of the holy Prophet (p.b.u.h), one comes to the conclusion that order and discipline have been influential factoris in his strategic planning for teaching andstate.Different aspects of order in the private life, in propagation the divine message and Islamic teachings, in political and military managements, and especially at the time of establishment of his government in Medina, are from the points that our writer has discussed in his article.

Divine message and prophet hood is a common point about the divine religions. In the 2 religions of Islam and Jewish, the Almighty God chooses and appoints a person as His messenger, in order to deliver His message to the people; and bring them to the Path of guidance and perfection.In a comparative study of this meaning in the 2 Abrahamic religions, we see some similarities and dissimilarities: In both religions:- The divine Prophets enjoy divine characteristics;- At the time of the descending of the divine message, as a result of the dignity of the message, the Prophet(s) receive mental changes.- In both religions, the divine messengers have had spiritual characteristics.At the same time, there are some differences:- In Judaism, there are some women as messengers.- The Prophets of the family of Israel conducted their missions collectively. They also had common revelations.In the Old Testament, besides the true and divine messages, you observe some false and adopted messengers either.

The writer, by discussing some subjects about "the Oneness of God, and His Names and Attributes" explains about the position of Reason and mind in understanding them. He has tried to clarify the exact meanings of the Names & Attributes, and criticize some views in this regard.

The main point of this article is the authority of Reason in the fields of theoretical, belief principals, and jurisprudence, which is deliberately prepared according to the writings of Mirza Mahdi Esfahani (1303-1365 A.H.)Mirza Mahdi Esfahani has divided the human affairs in to 2 domains:1. The affairs that a wise person, irrespective of his religion, accepts;2. Those religious affairs can not be judged by the human reason; therefore, one should receive it through an inspired and revealed source. The researcher, has also answered some views of the criticals to the viewpoints of thelate Mirza Mahdi Esfahani.