Kafir (Infidel)

In the case of non-Muslims

The root of the word "kafir" means "to conceal", and thus the word "kafir" literally means "one who conceals" and entails insincerity and even active deception on the part of the person being labeled a "kafir". That orthodox Islamic doctrine (following upon the Qur'an) categorically describes non-Muslims as kuffar can prove problematic in an an interfaith context, as it suggests that all non-Muslims are deliberately deceiving themselves and others by not embracing Islam which they, in fact, know to be true.

The other meaning implied in the root of the word "kafir" is "to be ungrateful", thus allowing the word "kafir" to be alternatively translated as "ingrate". This is likewise problematic in interfaith contexts as it entails the suggestion that all non-Muslims are somehow or the other ungrateful beings, in special distinction from Muslims, who are not so ungrateful.

In the case of Muslims

The word is also often used in the Qur'an as descriptive of Muslims who commit grave sins which offend Allah, though this meaning is more broadly understood to be metaphorical, as Sunni and Shi'ite theologians did not consider sins (other than polytheism) as causing one to constitute the act of apostasy, as this would have severe legal implications.

In this metaphorical sense, the word kafir can be understood to mean "ingrate", and is commonly used alongside and interchanged with such similarly insulting and accusative titles as faasiq, meaning "sinner" or "corrupted person", and munafiq, or "hypocrite".

Kharijite, literalist interpretations

One of the first heretical sects in Islamic history were the Kharijites who defected from the party of Ali (shi'at Ali - these were the proto-Shi'ites) during the first civil war (fitnah) of Caliphal succession. This group distinguished themselves from other Muslims by their literal interpretation of scriptures which describe sinful Muslims as non-believers. On this interpretation, any Muslim who committed a sin or, in their assessment, failed to judge "by what Allah has revealed" (that is, in this particular case, those who did not follow Islamic political injunctions) was a disbeliever and, consequently,

or someone who consciously denies what they know to be true, and "ingrate", implying that non-Muslims are ungrateful liars. It is also often used among Muslim populations as an extremely offensive curse word. Other terms which are used to refer to non-Muslims include.

Although Christians and Jews are called the People of the Book (أهل الكتاب ahl al-kitab), orthodox Islamic teachings qualify them as disbelievers^[3][4][5].

Qur'an

The following acts are described in the Qur'an as constituting kufr, or unbelief.

Calling on anyone other than Allah (i.e. for intercession).

Disliking Allah.

Sacrificing to anyone other than Allah.

Disliking Islam or anything Islamic.

Joking about Islam or anything Islamic.

Disbelieving in any of the Messengers.

Judging by any other law aside from Islamic law.

Forbidding what Allah has made lawful, or make lawful what Allah has forbidden.

Believing in any other religion.

Leaving Islam.

Giving assistance to disbelievers against Muslims.

Disbelievin in Muhammad.

• Non-Muslims - A hub page that leads to other articles related to Non-Muslims

Translations

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