racism

Kafir/kuffar is an Arabic word which meaning is simple as "unbeliever". There isn´t anything racist behind of this word. How we then should call unbelievers (whose don´t believe Allah) if word "unbeliever" sounds unkindly word to someone? It´s not logical to call unbelievers as believers as they aren´t this.

I don´t call anyone as kafir in here in my country because they wouldn´t understand meaning of the word. When we discuss here in Islamic forum where many understand Arabic or at the least some basic Islamic terms by Arabic, it´s different.

So no kafir to you but unbeliever.

Hey Milton, racism is like blinkers/indicators.

The more politically correct you get.

The more it annoys you when others don't.

Although the following traffic is more likely to use an indicator/blinker when you do.

...apart from those that don't consider it.

Have fun with that.


Should have started with "consider this" although it's taken by bill Nye the science guy.

Hi. Hope you're doing well.

Hmm, now,I know from where you're coming. To be honest, I dislike that site, despite some nice users, because many members there behave in a way that is unbecoming of a human being, let alone a Muslim or any kind of believer. That said, you should not take that site too seriously.

It is a Reddit-type place from what I understand, and I'd warn both Muslims and non-Muslims away from that site if they want to learn Islam or want to interact with Muslims in a healthy and productive manner.

Now, to answer the topic, in Islamic legal term, the word "kafir" literally means an unbeliever. So, calling someone kafir is not an offensive term in Islamic law. That said, in Quran, from what I understand, this word is understood in the broader context of the following:

Kaafir (kafir) in Arabic is derived from the root verb 'ka fa ra', meaning "he hid" a thing. As a pre-Islamic term (before Islam was established), kafir described the job of farmers who planted seeds in the ground, covering them with soil. The word implies a covering - thus, a covering of truth.

So, Islamic law uses the kafir as only a term of differentiation. Quran uses the word in a broader context of kufr (disbelief).

That said, some Muslims, as I'm sure you've found on that site, do use it in a pejorative manner. Whenever that is the case, you'll simply understand from the tone and context, which is a sad phenomena.

To explain, while I do not believe there is anything wrong with a person calling someone a "kafir" as a means of differentiation in itself, I do disagree and absolutely dislike the term being used as a means of an insult. As for the latter group of people (that is, those who insult with using the word "kafir"), you're best off not responding to them as the only way you can compete with such people is to drop down to their level, which is something you should avoid anyway as a person of dignity and honor and self-respect.

Also, I love Eleanor Roosevelt's words here, of which I would remind you, myself, and everyone else: "No one can make you feel inferior without your consent." So, my advice is to refuse to give that consent.

People who lose are those who refuse to show respect to any of God's creation, as what they are doing is an injustice and in the process oppressing themselves and others, and that is not the act of a Muslim. So, know in your heart that any abuse or hurled insults are simply a reflection of their inner selves.

Best wishes,

format_quote Originally Posted by Milton

On less civilised forums like ummah.com the word kuffar is often used as a meaning of contempt. "Mere Kuffar", "filthy kuffar", "burn in hell kuffar", like many other words that start out as innocent like "paki" just a shortened form of Pakistani, the word kuffar has been turned into a word of abuse now.

If I used the word "paki"as a term of abuse I would be liable to arrest and prosecution for a hate crime.

We ALL belong to Allah and to Him we shall return..

I don't like to use the word kuffar in an insulting manner. I may be wrong but, it is not in my character to defame people's religion. Remember, if you insult other's religion or them because of their religion, they may do the same to us and insult OUR religion.. To which we would not like.

But Kuffar is just 'disbelievers' but seeing how it is coined around, since it is associated with 'filth' or heard in a sense of contempt or arrogance, perhaps. I won't use it.

And to Him we all will be accountable..

And may Allah forgive me for whatever I said of wrong. Ameen.

And Allah knows best.

format_quote Originally Posted by Search

Now, to answer the topic, in Islamic legal term, the word "kafir" literally means an unbeliever. So, calling someone kafir is not an offensive term in Islamic law. That said, in Quran, from what I understand, this word is understood in the broader context of the following:

Kaafir (kafir) in Arabic is derived from the root verb 'ka fa ra', meaning "he hid" a thing. As a pre-Islamic term (before Islam was established), kafir described the job of farmers who planted seeds in the ground, covering them with soil. The word implies a covering - thus, a covering of truth.

I use to think it meant unbeliever, but the quote you give shows that not to be true. It apparently means more than just unbeliever, and means one who covers over the truth. That is an assumption of dishonesty, is it not? So I think I have to conclude that kafir IS an offensive term and I will stop identifying myself as one.

I do agree with you, however these "blind muslim followers" who don't use their brains, they just follow so called "Scholars" who wants to spread fitna and hate to push some political agendas...

I for one, don't listen to these kind of people and i don't follow them. Because our Muslim nation must be united against the face of our enemies, and those who call other muslims kuffar wants us to be divided which is the best plan for the Zionists and for Europe...

We need to learn how to respect each others differences and opinions and to live together in peace and in love. This is the only for us Muslims to unite and to build a strong nation!

format_quote Originally Posted by LaSorcia

Thank you, brother. I have a very limited knowledge of Arabic, but from what I looked up, it seems this word doesn't just mean non-Muslim, but has a connotation of contempt or disgust to it as well. I would not want to be called this word. I might take a different path, but I believe I am headed toward the same (and only) God.

I wouldn't listen to Hisnameiszzz on this one.

Kafir simply means one who does not believe - and is actually not derogatory in any sense of the word. It's descriptive. And accurate.

Now if a person is offended that someone called him or her what he or she really is - an unbeliever - they are the ones who have a problem, not the Muslims. We are wiling to share the meaning of Islamic terms in order to kill the ignorance which breed in the west.

One more thing - I prefer the term - Kafir - to unbeliever, because kafir specifically addresses the unbelief towards Islam - yet leaves the other faith groups open for belief... whereas unbeliever in English applies to any religion or faith group. For this reason, I honestly believe the word Kafir is direct and honest in usage.

Thank you for asking such a good question.

God bless,

Scimi

I don´t think we can blame the word itself. Any word may sounds abusive or offensive - depending how we use it and by what kind of tone we say it.

We may see the right of using this word as part of the freedom of speech.