The doctrine of infallibility in the islamic intellectualtradition

The doctrine of infallibility is one of the fundamental tenets of Islamic intellectual thought, shaped by the concept of 'isma attributed to prophets, and subsequently interpreted differently by various sects over the course of history. These doctrines have been transformed into theological systems not only through foundational sources like the Quran and Hadith, but also through the distinct methodologies of the Sunni Kalam, the imamate doctrine in Shi'a Imamiyya, and the walayah understanding in the Sufi tradition. This interpretive approach has profoundly influenced not only core beliefs, but also the political and social dynamics of Muslim societies, along with their perceptions of authority and leadership. The objective of this study is to examine the doctrines of infallibility from a conceptual, theological, and historical perspective, while also investigating the underlying doctrinal foundations and their multidimensional effects. This analysis, conducted within the context of Kalam, aims to yield more comprehensive and objective results by also considering data from other disciplines. In this context, the effects of these doctrines on contemporary sectarian dynamics and their potential for inter-sectarian dialogue will also be discussed.