Do the prophets and companions forget?
Prophets are infallible regarding forgetting what Allah commanded them to convey. Allah guaranteed the preservation of revelation for them, as stated in His Almighty قول: "We will make you recite, and you will not forget, except what Allah wills." They may experience forgetfulness in ordinary matters after conveying the message because they are human beings, and this has been confirmed by the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, who said: "I am only a human being like you; I forget as you forget." If they forget something, they remember it, as happened when he forgot a verse from a surah or the number of rak'ahs in prayer. They are infallible regarding forgetting what they have not conveyed to the people. If forgetfulness is permissible for prophets with specific constraints, then it is even more likely for the Companions to experience forgetfulness, despite their knowledge, virtue, and piety.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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