THE PROPHET’S PROTECTION AGAINST SIN (ISMET)

In prophets there are some common characteristics that are considered as qualities inseparable from the station of prophethood. The attribute of purity heads this list. Becoming more detailed in later periods, it was indicated that prophets had the qualities of purity, intelligence, truthfulness, trustworthiness and the ability to convey religion. However, during the period of transmission all these qualities were evaluated within the attribute of purity, because all the other characteristics are tied to purity.

The attribute of purity was defined as “Allah’s protecting his prophets from things that would harm their power and value” and “the quality of avoiding sin although it is possible.” Taking into consideration debates made in books on usul (methodology) and kalam (theology), a broader definition was made within the framework of views preferred by Sunni scholars. According to this, purity is “Allah’s protecting his prophets from visible and invisible blasphemy and big sins, and His informing them of small sins so they can repent of them”. In this definition Sunni scholars have gathered together all the definitions of purity. According to this, prophets are protected from blasphemy and big sins. They can commit small sins, but they are not left in that state. Allah informs them and makes it possible for them to correct their mistakes by repenting. Consequently, prophets have been protected by the grace of Allah from a number of flaws and sins found in ordinary people. Before prophethood, prophets did not commit small sins accepted as ugly and debasing by people. They were under Allah’s divine guidance and protection before prophethood in the same way.