Kāfir (كافر)
Definition
Kāfir (كافر), plural kāfirūn (كافرون), literally means “the coverer” or “one who hides or covers up the truth.” In Islamic terminology, it is predominantly used to designate an unbeliever or one who rejects the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad and the Qur’an. The term possesses rich theological and legal connotations and is essential in distinguishing between believers and non-believers in an Islamic context.
Etymology
The word kāfir derives from the Arabic root k-f-r (ك-ف-ر), which means “to cover” or “to conceal.” Historically, it encapsulates the notion of someone covering up or rejecting the divine truth.
- Arabic: كافر
- Turkish: Kâfir
Usage in Qur’an and Theology
In the Qur’an, the term occurs multiple times to denote those who reject faith after receiving clear signs and guidance. For example, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:37):
<p>“Those who disbelieve (wa’lladhīna kafarū), and call our signs lies, they are fellows of the Fire, they shall dwell within forever.”</p>
Categories of Kāfir
According to Islamic jurisprudence and theological works, unbelievers or kāfirs are further classified into several types based on their beliefs:
- Atheists: Those who do not believe in the existence of any deity or First Cause.
- Polytheists: Those who acknowledge multiple deities or eternal principles, such as the Zoroastrians who believe in light and darkness.
- Deists: Individuals who believe in a single deity but deny any revelation or scripture.
- Idolaters: Those who worship idols.
- Partial Rejecters: Those who believe in God and revelation but reject the prophethood of Muhammad, like some Christians and certain sects of Jews.
Theological Perspectives
Renowned Islamic scholars like Saiyid Sharīf Jurjānī provide elaborate explanations on the subject. He states that humanity is divided between those who acknowledge Muhammad’s mission and those who do not. Non-believers can either reject Muhammad’s mission while acknowledging other divine revelations or deny any revelation altogether.
Furthermore, within Islam, there exists a distinction between non-orthodox Muslims (heretics) and kāfirs.
Key References
-
Surah Al-Ma’idah (5:76) mentions:
<p>“They indeed are infidels (la-qad kafara’lladhīna), who say God is al-Masīḥ ibn Maryam (Christ, the son of Mary).”</p>
-
Jurjānī’s Sharḥu ʾl-Muwāqif examines non-believers’ distinctions and consequences of their disbelief.
Books for Further Studies
- “The Religion of Islam” by Maulana Muhammad Ali.
- “Belief and Islam” by Ismail L. Urbain.
- “An Introduction to Islamic Law” by Joseph Schacht.
- “Infidels: A History of the Conflict Between Christendom and Islam” by Andrew Wheatcroft.
Takeaways and Conclusion
The term kāfir plays a significant role in Islamic theology and jurisprudence, distinguishing between those who accept or reject Islamic teachings. Its usage spans both literal and metaphorical contexts, highlighting the profound implications in interreligious and doctrinal discussions. Understanding kāfir necessitates a careful examination of Qur’anic verses, theological interpretations, and historical contexts.
By delving into theological explorations, Qur’anic verses, and scholarly interpretations, one can achieve a comprehensive understanding of the term kāfir and its far-reaching implications in Islamic discourse.
