What is the ruling on one who says that the Prophet committed a minor sin, and does this constitute disbelief, given that he did not intend to diminish the status of the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him?

Scholars differ regarding the infallibility of prophets from minor sins, although they agree that prophets are not affirmed in them nor do they intentionally commit them, and that Allah grants them success in repenting from them. As for one who attributes any such thing to the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, interpreting what he was admonished for in the Qur’an, it is not permissible to rule him an infidel, unless he intended to belittle the status of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him; rather, his intention was to clarify the issue or for other valid purposes. Muslim scholars have agreed not to declare an infidel one who holds the view that minor sins are permissible for prophets, provided they are not affirmed in them.