Critique on the Dominant Views concerning the Nature of Infallibility

Infallibility is most often regarded by Muslim theologians as divine gift bestowed to special men so that others do not enjoy this God-given gift. According to some theologians infallibility is rooted in flawless and indubitable knowledge. Still another group of theologians take it to be a human disposition (habitus) which prevents man from sins. These accounts of infallibility are subject to serious objections and criticisms. Such questions as relation between infallibility and free will, value of this status and distinction of the Infallible Imams with ordinary people cannot be properly answered by any of these views. The author of the article is of the view that infallibility from sins is the matter of freedom and every man can attain this status. As to the infallibility from mistake and error is something different and is deserved for the holy Prophets and Imams. Having chosen some as prophet or Imam, God makes them immune from wrong-doing so much so that they do not make any mistake in proclamation of divine faith. Only this view of infallibility can meet the challenges and provide proper and clear response.