Truly, it is permissible for those other than the prophets-(may the peace and blessings of Allāh be upon all of them)- to fall into error, be it minor or major. Even if this individual is considered from among the steadfast affirmers of truth [the Ṣiddīqīn] or martyrs or the righteous. This is because what the perpetration of sin obligates [from punishment] may not occur due to:
- Repentance
- Sincerely seeking forgiveness
- Deeds of righteousness that expiate [sin]
- The occurrence of an expiating catastrophe
- Intercession
or simply by the Will of Allāh and His Mercy.
As such, it is impermissible for us to specify a particular person that has carried out a ḥarām action saying: This specific individual will receive a specific punishment, due to the possibility of the occurrence of sincere repentance [from the perpetrator of the offense], or other than it from the articles that nullify punishment.
Source: Rafʿ al-Malām: 84, 86
Translated by: Riyāḍ al-Kanadī
