One extreme consists of the Christian zealots who claim that the disciples were infallible in everything they said, reported, or perceived, and who likewise maintain that the Church scholars are always correct in their interpretations of the Gospel.

The opposite extreme asserts that anyone who slips or errs in any of these matters deserves divine threat—indeed, is a disbeliever.

The third position—the middle course—holds that the disciples were neither infallible nor sinful; they may err, yet such errors are forgiven when they have exerted themselves to recognize and follow the truth according to their ability and capacity. Sound proofs confirm this, for the Books of God censure and abhor those who go astray or stubbornly deny the truth, while also affirming that no one is punished until he has first been warned.

It is authentically reported in the Ṣaḥīḥ, on the authority of Iyad ibn Himar, that the Prophet—may Allah bless him and grant him peace—said: