Kaafir or "Ghayr Muslim"

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.
 
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.
 
:salam:

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.
 
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