The Infallibility of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and Other Prophets
It is a central teaching of Islam that all the Prophets and Messengers of Allah — Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, David, Jacob, Solomon, John the Baptist, Jesus Christ, Muhammad ﷺ, and others — are maʿṣūmūn (protected) from major sins, especially in matters related to the revelation entrusted to them.
As for the various “sins” attributed to the Prophets — such as those mentioned about David, Lot, or Solomon in the Bible — these are either exaggerations by the biblical writers or misinterpretations of minor human shortcomings.
Even the so-called first sin by Prophet Adam (‘alayhi as-salām) was a slip (زَلَّة), as clearly stated in the Qur’an. He quickly realized his error, repented, and Allah forgave him. There was no “original sin” carried over to later generations. Islam does not hold the concept of inherited sin.
So while the Prophets were free from major sins, they were still human — and hence, minor lapses (not intentional disobedience) were possible. Even our noble forefather, Prophet Ibrahim (‘alayhi as-salām), was not entirely without such human slips.
What About Jesus?
The New Testament itself portrays Jesus (‘alayhi as-salām) in ways that show signs of human limitation:
1. Baptism
Jesus underwent baptism — a practice symbolic of purification from sin
Matthew 3:13–15
“Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. But John tried to deter him, saying, ‘I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?’ Jesus replied, ‘Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.’”
If Jesus were sinless in the Christian theological sense, why submit to a ritual for cleansing sin?
2. Interaction with the Canaanite Woman
Matthew 15:22–26
Jesus initially refused to help a Canaanite woman, referring to her people as “dogs.” Though he later healed her daughter, the initial response appears harsh and culturally biased.
This reflects human emotion and social limitation — not divine moral perfection.
3. Temptation by Satan
Matthew 4:1–3
“Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.”
Hebrews 4:15
“He was tempted in every way, just as we are.”
Temptation implies vulnerability — something not attributed to divine beings. Imagine if such a verse were said about Prophet Muhammad ﷺ — how critics would respond!
4. Harsh Tone Toward His Mother
John 2:3–4 – The Wedding at Cana
“When the wine was gone, Jesus’ mother said to him, ‘They have no more wine.’ Jesus replied, ‘Woman, what have I to do with you? My hour has not yet come.’”
The Greek phrase “τί ἐμοὶ καὶ σοί” is a Hebrew idiom often translated as “What is that to me and to you?” or “Why are you involving me?”
It comes across as dismissive, which seems out of character with the biblical commandment to honor one's parents.
5. Forceful Behavior in the Temple
Matthew 21:12–13
Jesus overturned tables, drove out traders, and disrupted Temple activity.
John 2:15
“He made a whip out of cords and drove them all from the temple courts.”
While this may be interpreted by some as righteous anger, it remains a public act of aggression. In Jewish law, such conduct could be considered disorderly behavior in a sacred space.
The merchants were serving pilgrims and had the Temple’s legal permission. Jesus had no legal authority to enforce his version of “righteousness” in that space. His actions, though passionate, can be seen as vigilantism, which contradicts the idea of a divinely perfect figure above the law.
6. Plucking Grain on the Sabbath
Matthew 12:1–2
“At that time Jesus went through the grainfields on the Sabbath. His disciples were hungry and began to pick some heads of grain and eat them…”
This violated Sabbath laws according to the Pharisees. In Islamic law, this act (taking a small amount from someone’s tree or field when passing by and hungry) is permissible. However, doing so on the Sabbath, as per Jewish law, was still a violation.
To call this “stealing” would be inappropriate, but it did break a legal code of the time, and critics have used it to portray Jesus and his disciples as careless with the law.
Human Slips of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ
Islam is transparent about the minor human slips of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ — none of which affected his honesty, trustworthiness, or revelation:
1. Frowning at the Blind Man
Surah ʿAbasa (80:1–2)
“He frowned and turned away, because the blind man came to him.”
This rebuke served to emphasize humility and attentiveness to all — especially the weak and poor.
2. Captives at Badr
Surah al-Anfāl (8:67–68)
“It is not for a Prophet to have captives until he has thoroughly subdued [the enemy] in the land…”
A lesson about waiting for divine command before making decisions about war prisoners.
3. Granting Permission to Hypocrites
Surah at-Tawbah (9:43)
“May Allah pardon you! Why did you grant them permission [to stay behind]...”
This was a reprimand for letting some hypocrites stay back from battle without probing their excuses.
4. The Honey Incident
Surah at-Taḥrīm (66:1)
“O Prophet! Why do you forbid what Allah has made lawful for you...”
He had promised not to taste honey again to please one of his wives, which Allah corrected.
These instances were not sins, but human errors in judgment — and they demonstrate that even the best of creation, the final Prophet, ﷺ, was humble, teachable, and human.
He ﷺ said:
“I seek Allah’s forgiveness more than seventy times a day.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari)
This was not because of sin, but due to his deep sense of servitude, humility, and gratitude.
All Prophets are protected from major sins, especially anything that would compromise their divine mission. Yet, they remain human — capable of small slips, quickly corrected and forgiven by Allah.
As Allah says about Muhammad ﷺ:
“Indeed, We have granted you a clear victory, That Allah may forgive you your past and future shortcomings, complete His favor upon you, and guide you to a straight path.”
(Qur'an 48:1–2)
You will never find a true Prophet — Muhammad ﷺ or those before him — guilty of adultery, idolatry, gambling, or drinking alcohol. These are falsehoods spread by corrupt narrators in earlier scriptures.
I also noticed the video you referenced is quite old. Perhaps you stumbled upon it while reflecting on your faith — or maybe Allah is slowly drawing you back. Either way, feel free to keep asking. We’re here to help clear your doubts, in shā’ Allāh.
