{"_id":"668d9feb0b76658b4c232916","title":"{\"ops\":[{\"insert\":\"Why does Islam use the term “kafir” for non-Muslims, and is it derogatory?\\n\"}]}","question":"{\"ops\":[{\"insert\":\"I was speaking with a non-Muslim friend today, and she asked me a question I wasn't expecting. Why does Islam refer to non-Muslims as “kafirs”? The word seems to carry a negative connotation, and I’ve noticed a similar term used in Judaism (“goyim”). Can you clarify the meaning and usage?\\n\"}]}","answer":"{\"ops\":[{\"insert\":\"The term \\\"kafir\\\" originates from the root word for concealing. Hence, in the Quran, farmers (planters) are referred to as \\\"kuffar\\\" (plural of kafir) because they conceal or hide seeds in the soil. This is mentioned in \"},{\"attributes\":{\"link\":\"https://quran.com/57/20\"},\"insert\":\"verse 57:20\"},{\"insert\":\": \\n\\n\"},{\"attributes\":{\"bold\":true},\"insert\":\"\\\"Know that this worldly life is no more than play, amusement, luxury, mutual boasting, and competition in wealth and children. This is like rain that causes plants to grow, to the delight of the planters. But later the plants dry up and you see them wither, then they are reduced to chaff. And in the Hereafter there will be either severe punishment or forgiveness and pleasure of Allah, whereas the life of this world is no more than the delusion of enjoyment.\\\"\"},{\"insert\":\"\\n\\nAdditionally, not acknowledging and appreciating a blessing is considered \\\"kufr,\\\" which is the opposite of \\\"shukr,\\\" meaning thankfulness and appreciation. Similarly, the Quran refers to disbelief in divine revelation as \\\"kufr,\\\" and those who commit this act are called \\\"kuffar\\\" because they've chosen to conceal or cover the truth with falsehood, i.e., they disbelieved.\\n\\nIn essence, as far as Islam is concerned, there are two categories: those who embrace the divine revelation are categorized as Muslims, and those who do not embrace it, whether actively rejecting it or if the message has yet to reach them, are categorized as \\\"kafir\\\" or non-Muslims. Therefore, according to Islamic Sharia, a Muslim is a believer, and a \\\"kafir\\\" is a non-believer. Hence, the term \\\"kafir\\\" is not derogatory; it is simply a legal classification.\\n\\nThe issue lies not with the word \\\"kafir\\\" itself but rather with how people use it and how others perceive it. In that regard, our religion is clear on the obligation to address people, regardless of their faith, respectfully, and it is sinful to insult others. The Quran teaches us to \\n\\n\"},{\"attributes\":{\"bold\":true},\"insert\":\"\\\"Say gracious words to people.\\\" \"},{\"attributes\":{\"link\":\"https://quran.com/2/83\",\"bold\":true},\"insert\":\"[2:83]\"},{\"insert\":\"\\n\\nTherefore, if a non-Muslim views the word \\\"kafir\\\" as an insult, refrain from using it and explain to them that it is not derogatory nor was it intended as such. \\n\\nFinally, in our religion, it is sinful to look down on others, to feel prideful, or to harbor conceit. Therefore, we must exercise caution to avoid succumbing to these behaviors.\\n\"}]}","tags":[{"_id":"668d9fe30b76658b4c23280f","tag":"Relationships: Non-Muslims","count":95},{"_id":"668d9fe70b76658b4c2328a0","tag":"Quran: Tafseer","count":34}],"createdOn":"2024-07-09T20:39:07.508Z"}