Ismah of the Prophets in Mu'tazila

Abstract

Ismah, one of the special attributes of Prophets in Kalam, is also adopted by Mu'tazila. Ismah is necessary in Mu'tazila for the safety of revelation and for the Prophet to be successful in risala duties. This quality, which the Messenger of Allah has before his prophethood, means he is immune from sins, indecent behavior, disgraceful act, bad moral structure and temperament that would arouse hatred and cause people to stay away from him. Prophet stays away from sin through his own will, and therefore he is not exempt from the proposal. He may commit small sins that won't arouse hatred, but which will lead to lack of merit. Indeed, the prophet is a mortal he is like other people except for his notification duty. Therefore he is also faulted in his humanly speech and decisions. As a result, ismah in Mu'tazila is regarded as a quality that protects the prophethood status. In this context, the quality that Mu'tazila persistently underlines is "not to arouse hatred". The main reason of the fact that they claim only acts that wouldn't arouse hatred could come out of the prophet is because they don't want to harm the confidence in prophetic institution In Mu'tazila, the bases of ismah are miracles, salah-aslah (God does for men what is to their greatest advantage, benefit) and justice principle, the principle of grace and prophet of hujjat. Accordingly, God has bestowed his favor on people by sending the prophet to let them know their interests. For this favor to be the greatest, it is necessary that he is innocent. The fact that he is supported by his miracles, and he is hujjat also requires protection. Otherwise, a non-innocent prophet may not reach his goal in Risala task. And this is incompatible with the fact that God is fair.