[Tahir-Riaz]

Question:
Why do Muslims abuse non-Muslims by calling them ‘Kafirs’?

Answer:
1.   ‘Kafir’ means one who rejects.

‘Kafir’ is derived from the word ‘kufr’, which means to conceal or to reject. In Islamic terminology, ‘Kafir’ means one who conceals or rejects the truth of Islam and a person who rejects Islam is in English called a ‘non-Muslim'.

2.   If non-Muslims are hurt - they should accept Islam.
If any non-Muslim considers the word ‘Kafir’ i.e. ‘non-Muslim’ as an abuse, he may choose to accept Islam and then we will stop referring to him as or call him a kafir i.e. a non-Muslim. A Muslim does not get hurt when being called a non-Hindu or non-Jew. In the same way a Hindu should not feel hurt when called a non-Muslim

[akbarkhan]

That is very true, in fact I find it unbelievable that people find the word Kafir offensive.  Even when we Muslims start doing bad things, we are getting closer to committing kufr.  Our sins start to chain us down when we stop praying and stop doing good things and replacing them with evil things.  It's not an insult....it's just a word.  If someone gets offended if we refer to them as a Kaffiroon, they must have some sort of guilty feeling.  If you don't want to be referred to as a Kaffir, then say

Ashhadhu-Allah ilaha il Allahu wa Ashhahdhu ana Muhammad ar-Rasoolillah.

There's no need to complain about the word Kaffir really, I have to agree with brother Tahir.  They can call us non-Hindus and non-Jews or non-Christians if it makes them feel better.

[akbarkhan]

It should also be made clear that "Kaffir" does not translate into English as to mean "Infidel." 
This is a very common misconception and an extreme viewpoint of those who like to target Islam and make it out to be some sort of forceful conquering over everything, when the truth is that people need to start to educate themselves first and start giving credit to Islam and the Muslims throughout the last 1400 years who have allowed the world to be advanced the way it is today.

And all in all, people of the world must begin to pay due respect to Muhammad Sal' Allahu alaiyhi wa aalihi wa sallam for bringing the message of Islam for us, as a splended gift in childhood that is cherished do dearly; this great Mercy to humanity and all the worlds in existence.  The light that continues to shine forth from what he brought continues to illuminate our hearts and intellects.  he is our shining beacon of light and hope, our leader and guide towards being in Allah's grace and taking shade in his mercy.  Without al-Maqam al-Mahmood of Muhammad Sal' Allahu 'Alaiyhi wa sallam, I cannot imagine what state I would be in without having him as my Maulah and my Syedeena.

A person who does not believe in his Maqam al-Mahmood should really take some time to think about these questions

- What would Islam be without Muhammad (Sal' Allahu 'Alaiyhi wa sallam)?
- What's the best way to submit to Allah Subhanahu wa ta'ala? Isn't it by submitting the way Muhammad (sal' Allahu 'alaiyhi wa sallam) submits to Allah's will?  Should we not imitate him and want to follow him to the end the way students follow their teachers? Even though the teacher did not invent the knowledge he is teaching you, he is nonetheless your best source for learning right, so how can we not follow his teachings?  Allah is the most hidden, and no one can be in his presence.  Allah is not above the seventh heaven and does not sit on his Kursi, nor is Allah above his Kursi and neither does Allah have two hands...la hawla wa la quwwuta illah billahil aleeyul-azeem.  These are all concepts invented by the anthropomorphists.  

We are Ahl' as-Sunnah Muslims, and we believe that nothing is compareable to Allah.  Nothing is like Him.  To try to describe Allah, is like prescribing a characteristic of creation to Him.  Allah is also NOT Noor.  That is one of Allah's names is An-Nur, but it does not mean that Allah is light.  The meaning of all of Allah's names are truly unknown.  Allah created LIGHT and Allah created DARKNESS.  

To get back to my point, since Allah is the most hidden and no one can reach His presence, then we Muslims, especially those who have gone to deviate about saying things about Allah, need to come back and start to understand, that Allah never teaches anyone directly.  If Allah were to teach every single human being by Himself, which He could, it would mean that you wouldn't have any purpose for teachers or doctors, or anyone else who does a job.  It would mean that you wouldn't need to build a community or an Ummah to help each other.  Is it that hard for people to understand, that if we Muslims don't work to help each other, we are not interceding for each other on each other's behalf.  Meaning that there is no purpose in this life.  That means, count out Zakaat because you are supposed to help others, and count out Ramadan and Hajj where you pray for yourself and for others well being, for those who have passed and those who are still with us - Because if you consider intercession to be shirk, then you shouldn't fast, give zakaat, or go for Hajj, or even pray Salaah five times a day, because you are praying to the Kaaba and it is interceding for you.  Why are people's hearts sealed so tightly that they cannot understand that the holy prophet Sal' Allahu 'Alaiyhi wa sallam intercedes on our behalf because we are following his guidance and example for us to spread around the world and amongst ourselves in our lives, and htis makes him happy and content that he has fulfilled his duty, which ultimately pleases Allah.  So Allah has charged Muhammad Sal' Allahu 'Alaiyhi wa sallam with that job, and that is to be his most rightous creation, who is the leader of all of Allah's creation. 
- Would Allah choose to even create you or me or anything, if HE chose not to create Muhammad (saaw)?  

We must not waste anymore time in being thankful to Allah Subhanahu wa ta'ala for giving us the one who is al-Maqam al-Mahmood.

[Individual]

I would like to point out that in southern Africa Kafir used to mean any black African and was used as a racist chant by White Europeans. So it can be offensive to people of any ethnic dark colour.
I read about it been used in this context in one of Gandhi’s biography’s whereby Indians received abuse and chanting under this name. I would also like to make the following point who are you to call somebody a kafir when the Prophet Muhammad [peace be upon him] will be the only one to judge this.
What gives you the right to call somebody by this name. Is it constructive to call people Kafir’s. Somebody could call you a Kafir and be a better Muslim. And another call him a Kafir right up to the Prophet Muhammad [peace be upon him]. Instead of concentrating on being a better Muslim yourself you are wasting time Name-calling.

[suleman_peerzad]

HI Barney,
              I would like to bring to your notice that, what you explained in the above article was a literary meaning. You see in Persian Mehter means a someone who is having a high prestige in the society and to whom the genral public behaves in respect, but the same word in Hindi Means an achoot or a SHUDRA . Now who is responcible for this ? If the Non Muslims call us a non Hindu or a Non christain ,Atleast i wont feel bad cause i Know that Islam Is the best and the highest of all the religions. Yes i agree with some thing that one should not taunt any of the Non muslims with the word. But again why do You feel bad about it?

[Individual]

I would feel bad about it beacause it is name calling. somebody trying to bully you through verbal abuse. They are trying to lower your opinion of yourself so that they can dominate you. It is like me telling you that you are a bad parent to your children or cousins. I am a starnger I give no positive feedback or advice so it is bullying.

[Mystic]

QUOTEOriginally posted by: barney rock I would like to point out that in southern Africa Kafir used to mean any black African and was used as a racist chant by White Europeans. So it can be offensive to people of any ethnic dark colour. I read about it been used in this context in one of Gandhi’s biography’s whereby Indians received abuse and chanting under this name. I would also like to make the following point who are you to call somebody a kafir when the Prophet Muhammad [peace be upon him] will be the only one to judge this. What gives you the right to call somebody by this name. Is it constructive to call people Kafir’s. Somebody could call you a Kafir and be a better Muslim. And another call him a Kafir right up to the Prophet Muhammad [peace be upon him]. Instead of concentrating on being a better Muslim yourself you are wasting time Name-calling.

All mankind is from Adam and Eve, an Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab nor a non-Arab has any superiority over an Arab; also a white has no superiority over a black nor a black has any superiority over white except by piety and good action. (last sermon)

QUOTEWhat gives you the right to call somebody by this name. Is it constructive to call people Kafir’s. Somebody could call you a Kafir and be a better Muslim. And another call him a Kafir right up to the Prophet Muhammad [peace be upon him]. Instead of concentrating on being a better Muslim yourself you are wasting time Name-calling.

What give us right to call a person a kaffir ? We call a person a kaffir, when he/she abuses Islam, and believes in secular laws instead.

[Mystic]

QUOTEOriginally posted by: barney rock I would like to point out that in southern Africa Kafir used to mean any black African and was used as a racist chant by White Europeans. So it can be offensive to people of any ethnic dark colour. I read about it been used in this context in one of Gandhi’s biography’s whereby Indians received abuse and chanting under this name.

The Indians themselves have forgotten what their books teach them. Read the Hymns of the Atharva-Veda, see how many times mentions who the kaffirs are. The kaffirs one one who do not believe in what God has commanded them to, and instead they choose to follow their own secular laws. U see Islam believe everyone is equal because we all come from the same parents, but can everyone be spiritualy equal. No ! The one who follows God's command is superior to the one who doesn't. If a person is born Muslim and disagree with Islam then he is also a Kaffir.

[suleman_peerzad]

Hi Barney,
             I guess you might have got the answer by my bro. Amjad . But still if you have any problem facing this universal truth then i still welcome you and all the questions you are having in your mind, We will clear your misconceptions about islam , but do take that you do not insult our PROPHET ( PBUH) HIS COMPANIONS, OR ANY ISLAMIC PERSONALITY WHICH IS SACRED.

[Individual]

I apologize if I have offended PROPHET (PBUH) HIS COMPANIONS, OR ANY ISLAMIC PERSONALITY WHICH IS SACRED. If I have I am not aware how. Perhaps you can tell me for future reference.
My final question, what benefit do you get from calling somebody a kafir? Does it not fuel anger or promote a class hierarchy system like Hindu’s whereby you completely ignore somebody as a final judgment unless they change into how you want them to be.

[firdhouse]

Hi barney,it is great that u have regretted of what u have said.

May Allah Show u the right PATH,because of this good deed.

[firdhouse]

Hi barney,it is great that u have regretted of what u have said.

May Allah Show u the right PATH,because of this good deed.

[mficain]

QUOTEOriginally posted by: barney rock My final question, what benefit do you get from calling somebody a kafir? Does it not fuel anger or promote a class hierarchy system like Hindu’s whereby you completely ignore somebody as a final judgment unless they change into how you want them to be.

The is no better benefit than using the terminology the Quraan uses to identify the Non-Muslims.
Its similar to how Jews term non-Jews "Gentiles".
As discussed, the word "Kaafir" is in no way derogatory.
The Law of a Country terms someone an "Illegal Alien" if they do not stem from that particular country. If this term is regarded as offensive, should the country refrain from using that term? Should the Country's law alter for 'Imigrant' men?
The Law of the Universe (Qur'aan) terms non-Muslims as "Kaafir", should the law of the Universe alter for 'offended' men?

[Individual]

I agree that the word "Kaafir" is in no way derogatory.The problem of abusing people with names arrising when used in different context or tone when the word can be derogatory. I am a Kaafir, I am not offended by you calling me this. But if you scream it in my ear or I spent a long time studying the Qur'aan only for someone to say I am a kaafir after making a small mistake is offensive.If you have put alot of effort into being a Muslim, It will not always spure you on to try harder after being called a Kaafir or having it screamed at you.