Examining the Denotation of the Root "ʿAsm" by using Etymology and History of Idea

"ʿIṣmat" (Infallibility) is one of the keywords in the field of Imamate, and this paper aims to understand it accurately. So, concerning its root "ʿAsm", lexical data in Semitic languages were studied. Moreover, regardless of Shia theological presuppositions about the formed meaning of "ʿIṣmat" in the later periods, this root's usages in the Quran and hadith as well as its earlier meaning and semantic evolution were examined. The findings suggest that in Semitic languages, it is used in three meanings, namely "tightening", "taking refuge", and "defending" and all of them share the concept of " protection". Also, in Hebrew and Arabic, "protection against sin" has been specifically stated. These meanings can be seen exactly in the Quranic verses too, but the meaning "taking refuge"(iltijāʾ) has been used more than others. Likewise, in narrations, this root means "protection" and has been widely used for Ahl al-Bayt (AS) (the household of the Prophet). Also, it collocates with some words such as ' a mistake'(Zalal), 'filthy'(Rijs), 'sins'(dhunūb), 'crime', 'disobedience', and 'doubt'. As these examples have never been mentioned for ordinary people in the narrations, both levels of the Infallibility (protection from mistakes and sins) can be proved for Ahl al-Bayt (AS). Therefore, in the Quran and hadiths, this root has undergone semantic narrowing and mainly means "protection from mistakes and sins".