تفسیر معالم العرفان میں عصمتِ انبیاء کا تصور اور اجتہادی لغزشوں کی توجیہ: قرآنی آیات، تفسیری آراء اور کلامی مباحث کا تجزیاتی مطالعہ

The Concept of Prophetic Infallibility (‘Ismah al-Anbiya) in Tafsir Ma‘alim al- ‘Irfan and the Interpretation of Ijtihadi Lapses: An Analytical Study of Qur’anic Verses, Exegetical Views, and Theological Debates

Abstract

This research paper presents an analytical study of the concept of prophetic infallibility (‘Ismat al-Anbiya’) and the interpretation of prophetic ijtihadi lapses in Tafsir Ma‘alim al-‘Irfan fi Duroos al-Qur’an by Mawlana Sufi Abdul Hamid Sawati. The study examines the meaning and theological basis of prophetic infallibility, its relation to the prophetic mission, the protection of the prophets before and after prophethood, and the possibility of temporary ijtihadi lapses followed by divine correction. According to the approach reflected in Ma‘alim al-‘Irfan, prophetic infallibility is an essential requirement of revelation and prophethood, since the prophets are the recipients and transmitters of divine guidance and serve as role models for their communities. They are protected from deliberate sins and from errors that could undermine their prophetic mission. However, a temporary lapse may occur in matters of ijtihad due to human considerations; such a lapse does not contradict infallibility because Allah does not allow His prophets to remain upon an erroneous position and corrects it through divine guidance and revelation. The study further analyzes relevant Qur’anic passages concerning Prophets Yunus, Yusuf, Musa, and Adam (peace be upon them), arguing that references to their “mistakes” or “wrongdoing” should not necessarily be understood as deliberate sins in the ordinary sense. Rather, they may be understood in the context of ijtihadi judgment, leaving what was preferable, humility, repentance, and returning to Allah. The paper also explores the theological distinction between the infallibility of prophets and claims of infallibility for non-prophetic figures. The study concludes that the possibility of a temporary ijtihadi lapse does not negate prophetic infallibility; rather, its immediate divine correction demonstrates the practical dimension of ‘Ismat al-Anbiya’ and safeguards the integrity of prophetic guidance.