The Concept of Imamology and Infallibility: A Shia Perspective by Prof. Mohammad Ghari Seyed Fatemi (Part 2 of 3)

Professor Mohammad Ghari Seyed Fatemi outlined the mainstream Shia belief of ismah according to classical theologians as being the Prophet & Imams being protected from mistakes, sins, or anything that would make them be worthy of blame.  Amongst the different opinions amongst Shia theologians, Sayed pointed that a minority believe the Prophet (and by priority the Imams) having the possibility of forgetting. He then went on to highlight the arguments used by the Shia theologians; that if the Imam is not infallible it would result in infinite regress.  This is because if the Imam is not infallible the follower would have to find someone else who doesn’t make mistakes in religious affairs to be a point of emulation. This would continue until infinity or it would need to stop somewhere – and for the Shia it is the Imam who is the perfect guide and free from mistakes and sin (at the very least in terms of religious affairs). The Sayed also went on to briefly explain his own understanding of the scope of ismah.