‘Iṣmah or
‘Isma (; literally, "protection") is the concept of "impeccability," "immunity from sin", or "infallibility" in
Islamic theology, and which is especially prominent in
Shia Islam. In Shia theology,
Ismah is characeristic of
Prophets,
Imams, and
angels. When attributed to human beings, Ismah means "the ability of avoiding acts of disobedience, in spite of having the power to commit them", as with Prophets and Imams. Along with a pure constitution, excellent qualities, firmness against opponents, and tranquility (
as-Sakinah), Ismah is a Divine grace bestowed by
God.