Kaafir or "Ghayr Muslim"

**Huzaifah ibn Adam** · 12-20-2016

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

Why do people these days - even Ulamaa - use this term "Ghayr Muslim"? A "Non-Muslim". What is a "non-Muslim"?

I did Hifz of the Qur'aan, Alhamdulillaah. Completed many years ago. I don't know of a single place in the entire Qur'aan where Allaah Ta`aalaa ever refers to anyone as a "Ghayr Muslim". Only one term is used, and that is Kaafir. The same goes for the Ahaadeeth: Never did Rasoolullaah صلى الله عليه وسلم ever use the term "Ghayr Muslim" (non-Muslim). Only one term was used, and that is "Kaafir". The Sahaabah as well, never used any term but "Kaafir". There was no such thing as "Ghayr Muslims" during the time of the Sahaabah. "Non-Muslim" is a newly invented term. Allaah Ta`aalaa Himself, Rasoolullaah صلى الله عليه وسلم, and the Sahaabah, all only used one term, and that is "Kaafir", or "Kuffaar / Kaafireen / Kafarah" for plural. It is only people today that have replaced it with this spineless, emasculated term of "Non-Muslim".

You get a "Male" and a "Female". No one says a "Male" and a "non-Male". Or a "Female" and a "non-Female".

So why use "Muslim" and "non-Muslim"? Why use it? Why refuse to call them what Allaah Ta`aalaa Himself calls them?

It's become a rarity to find anyone using the original term "Kaafir" anymore these days. Only "Ghayr Muslims" everywhere.

Allaah Ta`aalaa says in the Qur'aan:

هو الذي خلقكم فمنكم كافر ومنكم مؤمن والله بما تعملون بصير

"He is the One Who created you, then some of you are Kaafir and some of you are Mu'min..." [Soorah at-Taghaabun, 64:2]

I don't see "Ghayr Muslim" anywhere in this Aayah. Or "Ghayr Mu'min" for that matter. Allaah Ta`aalaa splits the entire world up into only two groups:

Muslim
Kaafir

"Kaafir" or "Mu'min". "Kaafir" or "Muslim".

These people who say "Ghayr Muslim", it's like they're trying to apologise on behalf of Allaah. They feel that Allaah Ta`aalaa is being "rude" (Na`oodhubillaah), and so they must apologise to the Kuffaar with these emasculated terms they've invented.

Some people commit Kufr in this regard. They say that, when doing Da`wah, you mustn't use the word "Kaafir", you must use the word "non-Muslim" instead because "Kaafir" sounds harsh and derogatory. Do they realise what they're saying? They're saying that Allaah Ta`aalaa chose the wrong word, wa Na`oodhubillaah. They're saying Allaah Ta`aalaa chose a word that is "Harsh" and "Derogatory", and so they have to correct it by inventing a new term which is "Non-Muslim". They're saying they know better than Allaah Ta`aalaa. They're claiming to be wiser than Allaah Ta`aalaa. They're claiming to be more merciful than Allaah Ta`aalaa. They may as well go the rest of the way and try to claim divinity for themselves like Fir`own did.

In summary:

The Qur'aan uses the term "Kaafir". Thus, whoever is unhappy with this term is unhappy with the Qur'aan.

والسلام

**noraina** · 12-21-2016

Wa alaykum assalam,

This is an interesting point. Kaafir is probably the more appropriate word when looking at Qur'anic Arabic.

However, and this is an important point. We all know in Western societies there are a lot of misconceptions about Islam - and while as Muslims we shouldn't be made to apologise for the actions of a few twisted religions and justify our religion to everyone, the word 'kaafir' is a particularly sensitive topic.

Where I live, using the word 'kaafir' is equivalent or a swear word and is associated with a jihadist ideology. It can seem very off-putting to a non-Muslim who doesn't understand the literally correct meaning. Over time a word can develop different meanings and connotations, it happens all the time, such that the meaning people associate with that word now overrides it's correct 'literal' meaning, if I'm making any sense. This is such a case - so these kinds of things do need explaining at first because how will someone who doesn't know possibly understand?

So I do use the word non-Muslim, it's something people easily understand and accept. If I used kaafir they'd probably take it in a derogatory way.

**aaj** · 12-21-2016

What's interesting and funny is westerners using the word "infidel" as a synonym kaffir word, with some being offended while others being proud of it. That is a Christian word that they passed onto us and attributed it to us. We don't use the words non-Muslims or infidels, but rather kaffir. Non-Muslim is more prevalent in the west because people here comprehend better a Muslim vs a non-Muslim rather then a kaffir. That's one less word they have to learn about and get less confused.

**Serinity** · 12-22-2016

I think using the word "believer" is too unspecific. One should say Muslim, and call one a Muslim. It is faster, easier and quicker, too. We do not Call Allah, "God" or "The One God" (although it is fine to do so) however, all Muslims say "Allah" and "Rabb".

As Muslims, or at least where I come from, we say "Ya Rabbil alameen" i.e. "Oh Lord of the Worlds etc." or something like that.

What I am saying is, why not say kafir then? I mean, I know it is Arabic. But so is "Rabb" and Muslim. Many words we say in Arabic, when it is related to Islam. Like Imaan, Salaah, Aqeedah, etc.

So depending on intention, as is with everything, it may or may not be 'ok' to use "non Muslim". Nothing wrong with it, except for, if used as a way to "apologize" for Allah, which is kufr.

I think this prejudice or false view that the word "kafir" is offensive should be erased. I think that, this thread is aimed at those apologetics, not those who merely says it because they are English speakers, and not to apologize.

It is perfectly fine to say "Non-Muslim" without having the intention of any apology. Afaik.

please correct me if I am wrong.

Allahu alam.