The Difference Between the Lapse of Adam ﵇ and the Disobedience of Iblis

Question

Up to now our respected preacher has been saying that both Iblis and Adam ﵇ committed something unlawful — that a mistake occurred from both of them. But as far as I know, prophets are protected from sin (ma‘sum). I request an explanation of this.

Answer

Hazrat Adam ﵇ — peace be upon our Prophet and upon him — was told: [ar]وَلَا تَقْرَبَا هَٰذِهِ ٱلشَّجَرَةَ[/ar] “Do not approach this tree” (Surah al-Baqara, 2:35) — yet this could not be observed: a lapse occurred (forgetfulness, not deliberate disobedience).

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

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