The Attribution of Wrongs and Istighfaar to the Ambiya in the Qur’aan

The explanation for the Ambiya (Alaihimus Salaam) making Istighfaar and wrongs being attributed to them is that there are two meanings to sinning.

One is literal, that is to flout a Right of Allah Ta’ala by sinning.

The second is figurative, that is not being able to fulfil the Right of Allah Ta’ala in entirety which fulfilling is the demand of His Grandeur.

Insofar as the first meaning is concerned, the Illustrious Ambiya (Alaihimus Salaam) were absolutely unblemished. This has been proven above. (See the article: https://khairunnisa.co.za/2025/07/09/rational-proof-for-the-ambiya-alaihimus-salaam-being-sinless/)

The second meaning of sinning can be attributed to the Ambiya (Alaihimus Salaam) in view of them being servants of Allah Ta’ala and human beings.

It is rationally impossible for a possible being (that is a creation whose existence and non-existence are equal, such as a human being) to fulfil the Right of the Indispensable Being (Allah Ta’ala) in entirety because the possible being is finite and whatever emanates from it is also finite, whereas the excellences of the Indispensable Being are infinite and hence the Rights due to Him are also infinite. It is impossible for a finite and infinite being to be equal and to match.

For this reason, it comes in the Hadeeth:

لَا اُحْصِيْ ثَنَآءً عَلَيْكَ اَنْتَ كَمَا اَثْنَيْتَ عَلى نَفْسِكَ

“I cannot encompass You with praises. You are as You have praised Yourself.”

Thus, the second meaning of sinning (the figurative meaning) is not in fact a sin. And nor is it contrary to being sinless.

It is therefore established that wrongs and Istighfaar being attributed to the Ambiya (Alaihimus Salaam) carries this second meaning.

(Al-Istibsaar Fee Fadhlil Istighfaar)