A Review of the Article Entitled " Immunity" In Leiden Encyclopedia of the Quran Based on Shiite Views and Sources

The present article aims at a critical investigation of the article entitled Impeccability written by Paul E. Walker published in the Leiden Encyclopedia of the Quran. The article defines 'impeccability' as immunity from sins and faults. For Shiites, 'impeccability' is a definite idea. Claiming the absolute power of their imams, the Shiites have created the idea of impeccability, and have gradually extended it to the prophets. Even Hesham bin Hakam claimed that imam's impeccability is more necessary than that of the prophets. Sin means disobeying God intending to oppose God's rules. However, an opposition out of negligence and fault is not a sin, and this is the best interpretation of the Quranic verses referring to the prophet's sins. Impeccability, however, does not mean inability to commit sins; rather, it is God's grace to the prophets before or even after the sin. The findings of the study show that although the word 'impeccability' has not been used in its theological meaning in the Quran, it affirms the prophet's impeccability using other words. Neither has the Shiites created the idea of impeccability nor is it right to attribute it to Hesham bin Hakam. There is no element of intention and willfulness in theconception of sin. Thus, the best way to interpret the verses apparently denoting lack of impeccability in the prophets is considering the levels of sins rather than the prophet's inadvertence. Although impeccability is volitional and a grace from God, other factors such as knowing the harmful consequences of sins and the prophet's resolution play role in it.