A Comparative Study of the Primitive Contradiction Between the Prophet's Infallibility and Forgiveness in Shia and Sunni Interpretations, Based on Verses 105 and 106 of Surah Nisa

In verses 105 and 106 of Surah Nisa, the Prophet is assigned to seek forgiveness. The problem of the upcoming article is the primitive contradiction between forgiveness and Prophet's infallibility in these two verses. The efforts of Shia and Sunni commentators in solving this apparent contradiction were studied and investigated in a comparative manner from three perspectives: the cause of descent, the concept of forgiveness, and the audience. Most of the Shia commentators have explained the issue of forgiveness and its belonging with an approach taken from the traditions of Ahl al-Bayt regarding the revelation of the Qur'an, and by recognizing the principle of the Prophet's infallibility as Islam, and some of them, by providing a new meaning of the word forgiveness, have considered it a form of rosary and worship. On the other hand, Sunni commentators have expressed their opinions in two general approaches. Some have interpreted the verse without pointing out the contradiction due to the theological basis of "the permission to issue a minor sin" from the Prophet, And some others, like the Imami commentators, have taken a new approach to the meaning of asking for forgiveness in maintaining the Prophet's infallibility, or considered the verse to be addressed to the Prophet's Ummah.