ʿIṣmah (عصمة)
Definition
ʿIṣmah (عصمة) means “keeping back from sin.” In Islamic theology, it refers to the concept of continence and sinlessness attributed to the Prophets, and by extension, to infant children in their state of purity.
Etymology
The Arabic term ʿIṣmah (عصمة) is derived from the root ‘aṣam (عَصَمَ), which means “to preserve,” “to protect,” or “to keep away.” Thus, ʿIṣmah conveys the idea of safeguarding from error or sin.
- Arabic: عصمة (ʿIṣmah)
- Turkish: Ismet
Theological Significance
In Islamic thought, ʿIṣmah is primarily associated with the Prophets. According to Islamic belief, the Prophets were granted divine protection that kept them free from major sins and errors in conveying God’s message. This sinlessness renders them reliable and trustworthy conduits of divine revelation.
Attributes of Prophets
- Divine Protection: The Prophets are protected from committing major sins (kabirah) and from making errors in delivering the message (tabligh).
- Human Reality: While Prophets are free from serious sin, they are still human and can make minor mistakes (saghirah), but these do not affect their overall sinlessness.
ʿIṣmah and Infant Children
Islam holds that infants are in a pure state and free from sin. This purity is considered a form of ʿIṣmah, which they possess by virtue of their innocence and lack of moral responsibility until they reach the age of maturity (bulugh).
Scholarly Perspectives
Islamic scholars have debated and discussed the nuances of ʿIṣmah. Some key points of considerations are:
- Scope: Whether ʿIṣmah applies to Prophets only in their prophetic capacity or extends to all aspects of their lives.
- Extent: The nature of minor lapses and their impact on the theological understanding of ʿIṣmah.
Further Studies
For those interested in delving deeper into the concept of ʿIṣmah, the following books are recommended:
- “Al-Islam wal-Nubuwwah” by Ayatullah Ja’far Subhani
- “The Infallibility of the Prophets in the Qur’an” by Abbas Jaffer
- “The Nature of Prophethood: An Islamic Perspective” by Murtada Mutahhari
Takeaways
- ʿIṣmah signifies divine protection from sin, ensuring the Prophets’ reliability.
- While it ensures Prophets do not commit major sins, minor human errors may still occur.
- Infant children are also considered to possess a form of ʿIṣmah due to their innate purity.
Conclusion
ʿIṣmah plays a crucial role in Islamic theology, preserving the integrity and trustworthiness of the Prophets. This concept underscores the divine safeguarding that ensures the flawless transmission and interpretation of God’s message. Understanding ʿIṣmah provides insight into the broader Islamic views on human nature, sin, and divine justice.
