Post by Prince of Destiny on Jan 5, 2006 15:14:00 GMT -5
Who is a Kafir?
Early Muslims did not have any difficulty in differentiating between a Muslims and a Kafir. Such a debate never occurred during the generation of the Sahabah, the Tabi’een, or those Muslimsi who lived in the succeeding 13the centuries. Even during the periods when the intellectual level was at an ebb, the distinction between a Muslim and a Kafir remained clear. Due to the deteriorated level of Islamic Thought in the Ummah today, the subject has mushroomed into a major issue.
The question of Who is a Kafir” is not something that the Muslims can afford to overlook because the very existence of such a question challenges that clear cut distinction between Islam and Kufr, that the Muslims understood without difficulty for most of their history. Islam is a unique deen with its own unique Aqeedah that clearly distinguishes it from other belief, system or ideology. No Gray Area exists between Islam and Kufr, and the Quran openly reject such a notion:
There is nothing after the Truth (Islam) but Falsehood (kufr)” Yunus 10 : 32
“say: the Truth is from your lord, whoever wishes to believe let him believe and whoever wished to disbelieve let him disbelieve.” Al Kahf 18: 29
Because of Islam’s uniqueness, the Muslim Ummah possesses a unique Aqeedah that distinguishes it from any other nations in the culture it adopts, the laws it submits to, the thoughts and ideas it carried and its outlook upon life. Without a clear understanding of Islam as distinct from Kufr, the Muslim Ummah is stripped of its distinguished status, and the Islamic Aqeedah is bereft of its uniqueness. In light of the current situation, ides which post that Islam, Christianity and Judaism all share the same roots or that no difference exists between a Muslim and a kafir, come as no surprise.
The purpose of this article is to define ‘who is a Kafir” and clear up the confusion surrounding the word Kafir so that the Ummah can once again clearly differentiate between a Muslim and a Kafir and worship Allah in they way he ordered us to worship him, allowing us to attain his pleasure. This would, Inshallah result in the crystallization of Islamic concepts in the mind of Muslim Ummah and subsequently proper and complete implementation of Islam as an Ideology. When this happens, the Muslim Ummah can once again lead humanity and carry this message of Islam to the entire world in the manner in which Allah ordered us.
This article briefly addresses some of the issues relate to this subject matter directly, such as:
Ahlul Kitab, Abrahamic Religions, celebrating Kufr holidays and deeds of Kuffar.
The Criterion
Before attempting to define Islam and Kufr, the Muslims must understand who defines Islam and Kufr, who draws the boundaries and who established the criterion for evaluating any idea or concept. To enter the circle of Islam, the first action an individual does is to declare the Shahadah by stating that: “ I Bear witness that there is no ILLAH but Allah and Muhammad is Messenger of Allah.” The word ILLAH has been frequently misinterpreted to mean “God.” People of all other religions, including Christianity, Judaism, Sikhism, and even Hinduism, claim to believe in a God or supreme power. In the context of such translation, Islam would seem no different than any other religions. In reality, the word Illah, in Arabic mean “that which is worshiped.” This definition has deep connotation. Regarding the Jews and Christians, the Quran Mentions: “They took their priests and Rabbis to be their Lords beside Allah.” Tauba 9:31
when Muhammad (saw) recited this verse, one of the companions who was formerly from among the people of the book, told him, “we did not worship them, o Messenger of Allah.” Muhammad (saw) then asked the person, “didn’t they forbid what Allah allowed and allowed what Allah had forbidden and you followed them?” when the companion replied ‘YES,’ the Prophet (saw) replied, “That was your worship.” Such an incident illustrates that Allah defines ‘Illah’ as the thing that dictates a person’s life. In Islam, the concept of worship carries a far deeper meaning that just performing Salah or going to Hajj. The Worship of Allah implies full submission and obedience to Allah’s laws as the quran clearly states: O you who believe, enter perfectly into Islam (by obeying Allah) and follow not the footsteps of Satan. Verily he is your open Enemy.” Al Baqarah 2:208
By such a definition, the Muslims must resort to the Akham Shariya as the source of all of their concepts and ideas. For a Muslim, Allah defines Islam as well as Kufr or any other dies or concept, as he states: “To Allah Belong the Ghayb (unseen) of the heavens and the Earth and to him Return all Affairs.”
“Blessed be he who sent down the criterion to his slave that he may be Warner to the Al Amin.” Al Furqan 25: 1
The Definition
Any belief that exists outside the boundaries set forth by Allah (swt) falls under the category of Kufr or Disbelief. The word Kufr and Kafir are derived from the root ‘Kafar,” which linguistically means “to cover.” Even the farmer is considered a kafir in the linguistic sense because he is covering the seeds with soil. When it comes to application, the Shar’ri meaning supersedes the linguistic connotations. For example, jihad, linguistically means struggle, but the Shariya meaning defines Jihad as the physical fighting (qitaal) conducted by the Khilafah’s Army to remove physical obstacles that try to suppress the propagation of Islam. Also, Hajj means “to go” linguistically. If Muslims resorted to the linguistic meanings, then going to shopping mall would be considered Hajj and women who covers her body with the Hijab, would be considered a Kafir, As such, the Shariya or the Juristic meaning, defined the rules and the concepts of Islam.
The same principal apply for the words Kafir and Kufr. In Shar’ri terminology, there exists some general extracts from the classical and respected Mujtahideen (scholars). First and foremost, Kufr is the rejection of Belief in Allah (swt) and the Messengership of Muhammad (saw), because Allah states: Verily, those who disbelieve in Allah and his Messenger and wish to make a distinction between Allah and his Messeger (by believing in Allah and deny the Messenger) saying, “we believe in some, but reject others,’ and wish to adopt a way in between, they are in truth disbelievers. And we have prepared for the disbelievers a humiliating torment.” An Nisa 4:150-151
Types of Kufr
Islam also divides Kufr into some Categories:
1. Kufr Al Takdheeb.
2. Kufr Al Iba.
3. Kufr as Shakk.
4. Kufr Al I’raad.
5. Kufr an Nifaaq
1. Kufr Al Takdheeb.
Kufr al Takdheeb or denying Islam (as Allah says in Quran) “Then who does more wrong that the one who utters a lie against Allah and Denies the Truth(quran, Messenger, Resurrection, reward and Punishment) when it comes to him. Is there not in hell an abode for the disbelievers? Az-Zumar 39:32)
“The only deen in the sight of Allah is Islam.” Al-Imran 3:19
“And whoever seeks a deen other than Islam, it will never be accepted from him and in the hereafter he will be one of the Losers.” Al Imran 3:85
2. Kufr Al Iba.
Kufr al Iba wat Takabbur ma’at Tasdeeq, implying refusal to submit to Alah and his Commandments out of arrogance after knowing Allah because Allah Says: “And when we said to the angels: Prostrate yourselves before Adam. And they prostrated except Iblis, he refused and was arrogant and was on of the Disbelievers.” (al Baqara 2:34)
3. Kufr as Shakk wa al Thann
Kufr as Shakk wa al Thann, which means doubting or rejecting any of the six articles of Iman, as Allah says: “And he went into his garden while in a state (of pride and disbelief) unjust to himself. He said: ‘I think not that this will ever perish. And I think not the hour will ever come, and if indeed I am brought back to my lord (on day of resurrection) I surely shall find better than this when I return to him.’ His campanion said to him during the talk with him, “Do you disbelieve in Him who created you out of dust (your father Adam) then out of Nutfah (semen from the male and female discharge), then fashioned you into a man? But as for my part (I believe that He is Allah my lord, and none shall I associate as partner with my Lord.”” (al Khaf 18: 35-38)
4. Kufr al I’Raad
It describes the action of willingly turning away from the haqq to which Allah (swt) states: “we created not the heavens and the earth and all that is between them except with Haqq and for an appointed term. But those who disbelieve and turn away from the whereof, they are warned.” (al Ahqaf 46: 3)
5. Kufr an Nifaaq
It implies hypocritical disbelieve, because Allah (swt) states: “They have made their oaths a screen (for hypocrisy). Thus they hinder (men) from the path of Allah. Verily evil is what they used to do. That is because they believed, then disbelieved, therefore their hearts hare sealed, so they understand not.” (al Munafiqoon 63: 2-3)
A person who commits any one or more of the major acts of disbelief is considered a kafir. No grey exists in Islam in which a person can be called a “believer, but not a Muslim.” Islam defines the human being as either a Muslim or Kafir – a Muslim as one who believes in the Aqeedah of Islam and tenets of Iman, and who follows any belief or creed other than Islam or rejects any one of the fundamental pillars of the Islamic Faith. To claim to believe in Allah (swt) while denying Muhammad (saw) as a Messenger, or believing that Allah (swt) can have a son or can exists as multiple entities, excludes such an individual from the circle of Islam.
A Muslim is not someone who merely appreciates Islam while adhering to the teachings of bible or a person who possess sound morals and decency or character. The notion of a Muslim who does not believe in Islam, or some who is ‘Muslim and not a Muslim simultaneously” contradicts the natural law of Allah (swt). No one can imagine a communist who does not believe in communism, a Christian who does not believe in Christianity, or some who is Jewish and not a Jewish at the same time.
Also, Muhammad (saw) said: ‘A disbeliever will asked, ‘supposed you had as much gold as could fill the earth. Would you offer it to ransom yourself (from the hell fire)? He will reply, ‘Yes.” Then it will be said to him, ‘you were asked something easier than that: To join none in worship with Allah (swt). But you refused.” Worshipping Allah (swt) means believing that Allah (swt) is one with al his attributes, believing in al of the pillars of Imaan, and submitting to all of Allah (swt)’s rules. Anything else denotes the kufr, and such a person is considered a Kafir by definition.
Ahl ul Kitab, Mushrikee, and Kafireen
Islam clearly defines that terms Ahl Ul Kitab, Mushrikeen, and Kafireen. The term Alh ul Kitab (people of the book) specifically refers to Jews and Christians. The Quran refers to them by this term because there received books such as the Torah and the Injeel. The term Mushrikeen (Polytheists) denotes people who associate other gods with Allah (swt). As mentioned previously, the term Kafir refers to anyone who disbelieves in any of the tenets of Islam, such as the belief in Allah (swt), HIS attributes, the Messengers of Allah (swt), all the angels, all the books, and the day of Resurrection.
Allah (swt) gave no other reasons for using such a categorization. Unfortunately, the Ummah’s lack of focus had led many Muslims to debate and bicker over clear cut issues. Questions such as why Allah (swt) did not refer to the Ahl Ul Kitab as Mushirkeen because they also worship idols, or why Allah (swt) referred to the disbelievers under three headings instead of one, are commonly asked. Nobody can fathom why alah used there terms, and no one can offer his own reasons on Allah (swt)’s behalf. Such a process leads the person to question the Ghayb (Unseen) which lies beyond the limited scope of the human mind and senses and only results in speculation that waters the Ummah’s intellectual resources over questions that will never be resolved. The same persons who pose such questions might ask well why Allah (swt) created Jinn from fire and the Human being from cay or why Allah (swt) made the sun rise in the east not in the west. The questions that concern that Ghayb are endless.
The role of the mind is to submit to Allah (swt)’s rules and to pass judgement on them or question Allah (swt)’s knowledge. Allah (swt) called the Jews and the Christians as Ahl Ul Kitab because they were given previous scriptures for no other reason, and He (swt) addressed all other disbelievers Mushrikeen. The Muslims are ordered to surrender to Islam and the Islamic text as Allah (swt) states: “The only saying of the faithful believers, when they are called to Allah and His Messenger to Judge between them, is, “We Listen and we Obey.”” (al Nur 24: 51)
Islam clearly defined Ah ul Kitab, Mushrikeen, and Kafireen and these definitions are not subject of debate. The Muslims must take these definitions as they are.
Are the Ahl Ul Kitab Kuffar?
Because the Quran refers to the Ahl ul Kitab under a different name, many quickly conclude that Allah (swt) has given them a special status that is situated midway between Islam and Kufr, meaning the Grey area. The abundance of evidence from Quran and Sunnah clearly establishes that Ah ul Kitab as Kuffar. The early Muslims did not have any difficulty in understanding this issue, nor was the issue ever a subject of dispute among them. Referring to the Ahl ul Kitab as kuffar does not denote negative treatment of them as many Muslims many think, but firmly established that Muslims constitute one Milla (grouping), and the kuffar comprise another, ideologically and culturally distinct from the Muslim Ummah. Islam defines any person who rejects some or all of the fundamental tenets of imaan as a Kafir, and the Ah ul Kitab are no exception. Many ayat in the Quran clearly establishes this point without any ambiguity: “surely, in disbelief are they who say that Allah is the Messiah, son of Mary. Say, ‘who then has the least power against Allah if He were to destroy the Messiah, son of Mary, his mother, and all those who are on the earth together?’ and to Allah belong the dominion of the heavens and the earth and all that is between them. He creates what he wills, and Allah is able to do all things.” (al Maidha 5: 17)
“as the Jews say: “Uzayr is the son of Allah.” And the Christians say: “The Messiah is the son of Allah. This is a saying from their mouths. They imitate the saying of the disbelievers of old. Allah’s curse be on them, how they are deluded away from the truth. (at Taubah 9: 30)
“they took their priests and rabbis to be their lords beside Allah. And they took their lord as they son of Mary. Yet, they were commanded to worship none but one Illah, there is no Ilah but me. Praise and glory be to Him. Far is He from having partners they associate with him. (at Taubah 9: 31)
such individuals misinterpret these ayat by neglecting other ayat and isolating them from the context of the Seerah. Ibn Khateer, one fo the classical mufasireen (commentators of Quran), states in his book, Tafseer Ibn Khateer, that these ayat refer to the Jews who existed from the Time of Musa (as) until the time of Isa (as), not to be confused with the Jews and Christians during the time of Muhammad (saw) and who exist today. The ayat refer to the Christians as Nasireen, which linguistically mean ‘helpers.” The helpers were the Hawariyeen (Disciples) of Prophet Isa (as) who followed his message until the time of Muhammad (saw) and did not ascribe partners with Allah (swt). Based on these ayat, the term “Christians’ does not accurately refer to these people and Ibn Jawzi, who lived in the 12the century AD, says the same in his book Zad al Maseer Fi Ilm At Tafseer.
The ayat refer to those from among the previous groups who existed before Islam and adhered to their scriptures, but these ayat were later abrogated by the ayah which states: “And whosoever, desires a religion other than Islam, it will never be accepted from him, and in the hereafter, he will be one of the losers.” (al Imran 3:85)
After Muhammad (saw), Allah (swt) has chosen Islam as the deen for all of humanity and no one on the day of Judgement who was presented Islam and rejected it will have any excuse that will exempt him from the punishment of the hell fire.
This is in regards to the thoughts and beliefs carried by Ah ul Kitab. When it comes to a particular person he cannot be considered Kafir until Islam is presented in an effective way and he or she rejects it deliberately knowing that it is the Haqq. If Islam did not reach this person, then he or she cannot be considered as such.
“Whoever goes right, then he goes right only for the benefit of his ownself. And whoever goes astray, then he goes astray to his own loss. No one laden with Burdens can bear another’s burden. And we never punish until we have sent a messenger (to give warning)” (Al Israh 17: 15)
However, when it came to deal with this type of person in this life, such as a Kafir woman from Ah ul Kitab marrying a Muslim man, then it is permitted. This individual still takes the status of the Kafirah in the legal aspect and holds her accountable in the hereafter.
Abrahamic Religions
As a result of confusion in the understanding Islam and its uniqueness, many alien ideas has surface among the Muslims that are designed to obliterate the clear distinction between Islam and Kufr. The call to adopt the concept of “Abrahamic Religions” has rise to forefront of ideas. Those who call for this absurdity claim that Judaism, Christianity and Islam share the same roots because they all emanate from the same source, the Prophet Ibrahim (as). As a result of such a call, “Trialogues” have emerged in which Muslims would sit together with Christians and Jews to discuss their commonalties and establish a common linkage between them as offshoots of the same prototypic religion of Ibrahim (as).
The concept of Abrahamic Religions states that a commonality exits between Islam and Kufr, whereas no such concept exits in them. No one can claim that such a commonality among religions exists without directly contradiction the Quran and the Sunnah. Allah (swt) states in Quran: “ Say (O Muhammad): “O people of the Book, come to a word that is just between us and you, that we worship none but Allah, and we associate no partners with Him, and that none of us shall take others as lords beside Allah. Then, if they turn away, say, “bear witness that we are Muslims, O people of the Book! Why do you dispute about Abraham, while the Torah and the Injeel were not revealed until after him? Have you then no sense?” (al Imran 3: 64-65)
“Ibrahim was not a Jew or Christian. But he was a true Muslim Hanifan, and bowed his will to Allah and he joined not god with Allah. Without doubt, among men, the nearest of kin to Ibrahim are those who follow him, AS ARE ALSO THIS MESSENGER and those who believe. And Allah is the protector of those who have faith.” (al Imran 3: 67-68)
Many people who call for Abrahamic Religions justify their claims by citing that they are following the Sunnah of Muhammad (saw). Those individuals should draw their attention towards the following incident: “Umar (ra) narrates that he brought a copy of the Torah to Muhammad (saw) and said. “Allah’s Messenger, this is copy of Torah.” When he began to read it, he noticed the colour of the face of Muhammad (saw) underwent a change, whereupon Abu Bakr (ra) said; “would that your mother mourn you, don’t you see the face of Allah’s Messenger?” Umar (ra) saw the face of Muhammad (saw) and said, “I seek refuge with Allah from the wrath of Allah and the wrath of Allah’s Messenger. We all are pleased with Allah as the lord, with Islam as our deen, and with Muhammad as the Prophet.” Muhammad (saw) then said: “by him whose hand is the life of Muhammad, even if Musa were to appear before you and you were to follow him, leaving me aside, you would certainly stray into error, for if Musa were alive and he found me, he would have definitely followed me (Miskhat al Masabhi)
Such incidents clearly indicate that Muhammad (saw) for from promoting a brotherly understanding of Judeo-Christian-Islamic traditions or encouraging practices such as Abrahamic Faiths and was the first person to address the Ah ul Kitab as kuffar and did not hesitate to use the word Kafir.
Every Muslim acknowledge that Allah (swt) and His Messenger Muhammad (saw) speak the Truth. Allah (swt) and the Muhammad (saw) state that Truth and Falsehood will never join hands, that the Ah ul Kitab are kuffar, and have to relationship to Ibrahim or to Islam, and that Islam will clash with other ideas. When voices emerge claiming that the truth and falsehood share the same roots and can coexist, and that the Ah ul Kitab and Muslim are brothers in faith and the offspring of Ibrahim’s family tree, the Muslims must reject such calls as an open invitation to destruction in this life and in the hereafter. The enemies of Islam have injected into the Ummah such calls as Abrahamic Religions to dilute the clear and distinct understanding of Islam in the Muslim Ummah and to busy the Muslims in trumpeting slogans that neither exists in Islam nor in reality.
Muslim and Kafireen
Many Muslims hesitate in referring to he Non-Muslims as kuffar because they believe that the word carries a derogatory meaning. Using such vocabulary, according to many, would contradict certain principles of Islam that emphasize fair conduct, decency in behaviour, and kindness towards Non Muslims. The question emerges: how can a sincere Muslim, who adheres to such principles, simultaneously use terms like “Kafir, kuffar, and Kufr”?
Answering this question requires that understanding that Allah (swt) ordered all Muslims to obey his orders and to submit to His laws, which are found in the Quran and the Sunnah. Anything that Allah (swt) his Messenger (saw) have decreed, the Muslims must submit to willingly and without any hesitation, whether it sound easy or difficult, practical or improbably, reasonable or unreasonable. When Allah (swt) obliges the Muslims to carry dawah to the world, all Muslims are ordered to submit to this command by virtue of being Muslims. Similarly, when Allah (swt) orders the Muslims to be nice, possess good moral, maintain good relationships with others, and help other human beings, the Muslims must submit to those commands for no other reason then because Allah (swt) commanded them. Moreover, the Muslims are bound by the orders of Allah (swt) to perform their actions following the Sunnah of the Muhammad (saw).
“He who obeys the Messenger has indeed obeyed Allah…” (al Nisa 4:80) “Say (O Muhammad), if you love Allah then follow me. Allah will love you and forgive your sins.” (al Imran 3:31)
Based on these ayat, the Muslims are ordered to carry the Dawah and work to establish the Islamic state according to the Seerah of the Muhammad (saw).
Similarly, the Muhammad (saw) showed the Muslims when to be nice and when to be rude, when to be angry and when to be merciful, as well as how and to whom. Thus, every situation, act, issue, or problem has an Islamic ruling, or a Hukm Sharri, and the Muslims must take all the rules and submit to them comprehensively, looking at each situation or issues as a distinct one with its own specific Hukm (Order).
Addressing the Non Muslims and the terms that Islam refers to them by are one issue, distinct from carrying the Dawah of Islam and the relationship between Muslims and non-Muslims. Whether carrying the Dawah according to What Islam dictates results in resentment among the Kafireen or not the dawah must continue to be conveyed in that manner. No human being has the right to say that the methodology of Muhammad (saw) should be changed to suit the current situation as the Islamic Method does not constitute ‘good behaviour” towards the Non Muslims. If Allah (swt) and His Messenger (saw) addresses the non-Muslims as Kafireen and address their beliefs and actions under the heading of kufr, then this terminology is cemented until the day of judgement. Nobody has the right to change the terminology that Allah (swt) has used to describe the non-Muslims and their beliefs, in the same way that no one can claim that the Jinn are creatures created from clay or that hell fire is the reward from Allah and Jannah is Allah’s Punishment.
If the kuffar resent the Muslims for practicing Islam and submitting to Allah (swt)’s rules in their totality , such a scenario cannot be avoided because Allah (swt) states : “ Neither those who disbelieve among the people of the Book (Jews and Christians) nor Al Mushrikoon like that there should be any good sent down onto you from your lord.” (al Baqarah 2: 105)
“Never will the Jews nor the Christians be pleased with you until you follow their religion.” (al baqarah 2: 120)
such a conflict does not excuse the Muslims to neglect some aspects of Islam or to make justification in order to save the skin or to appease the kuffar. Every Muslim had the choice: he can either please kuffar or please Allah (swt). Based on the above mentioned ayat, Allah (swt) Sunnah very clearly states in no equivocal language that that Muslims cannot have both.
Early Muslims did not have any difficulty in differentiating between a Muslims and a Kafir. Such a debate never occurred during the generation of the Sahabah, the Tabi’een, or those Muslimsi who lived in the succeeding 13the centuries. Even during the periods when the intellectual level was at an ebb, the distinction between a Muslim and a Kafir remained clear. Due to the deteriorated level of Islamic Thought in the Ummah today, the subject has mushroomed into a major issue.
The question of Who is a Kafir” is not something that the Muslims can afford to overlook because the very existence of such a question challenges that clear cut distinction between Islam and Kufr, that the Muslims understood without difficulty for most of their history. Islam is a unique deen with its own unique Aqeedah that clearly distinguishes it from other belief, system or ideology. No Gray Area exists between Islam and Kufr, and the Quran openly reject such a notion:
There is nothing after the Truth (Islam) but Falsehood (kufr)” Yunus 10 : 32
“say: the Truth is from your lord, whoever wishes to believe let him believe and whoever wished to disbelieve let him disbelieve.” Al Kahf 18: 29
Because of Islam’s uniqueness, the Muslim Ummah possesses a unique Aqeedah that distinguishes it from any other nations in the culture it adopts, the laws it submits to, the thoughts and ideas it carried and its outlook upon life. Without a clear understanding of Islam as distinct from Kufr, the Muslim Ummah is stripped of its distinguished status, and the Islamic Aqeedah is bereft of its uniqueness. In light of the current situation, ides which post that Islam, Christianity and Judaism all share the same roots or that no difference exists between a Muslim and a kafir, come as no surprise.
The purpose of this article is to define ‘who is a Kafir” and clear up the confusion surrounding the word Kafir so that the Ummah can once again clearly differentiate between a Muslim and a Kafir and worship Allah in they way he ordered us to worship him, allowing us to attain his pleasure. This would, Inshallah result in the crystallization of Islamic concepts in the mind of Muslim Ummah and subsequently proper and complete implementation of Islam as an Ideology. When this happens, the Muslim Ummah can once again lead humanity and carry this message of Islam to the entire world in the manner in which Allah ordered us.
This article briefly addresses some of the issues relate to this subject matter directly, such as:
Ahlul Kitab, Abrahamic Religions, celebrating Kufr holidays and deeds of Kuffar.
The Criterion
Before attempting to define Islam and Kufr, the Muslims must understand who defines Islam and Kufr, who draws the boundaries and who established the criterion for evaluating any idea or concept. To enter the circle of Islam, the first action an individual does is to declare the Shahadah by stating that: “ I Bear witness that there is no ILLAH but Allah and Muhammad is Messenger of Allah.” The word ILLAH has been frequently misinterpreted to mean “God.” People of all other religions, including Christianity, Judaism, Sikhism, and even Hinduism, claim to believe in a God or supreme power. In the context of such translation, Islam would seem no different than any other religions. In reality, the word Illah, in Arabic mean “that which is worshiped.” This definition has deep connotation. Regarding the Jews and Christians, the Quran Mentions: “They took their priests and Rabbis to be their Lords beside Allah.” Tauba 9:31
when Muhammad (saw) recited this verse, one of the companions who was formerly from among the people of the book, told him, “we did not worship them, o Messenger of Allah.” Muhammad (saw) then asked the person, “didn’t they forbid what Allah allowed and allowed what Allah had forbidden and you followed them?” when the companion replied ‘YES,’ the Prophet (saw) replied, “That was your worship.” Such an incident illustrates that Allah defines ‘Illah’ as the thing that dictates a person’s life. In Islam, the concept of worship carries a far deeper meaning that just performing Salah or going to Hajj. The Worship of Allah implies full submission and obedience to Allah’s laws as the quran clearly states: O you who believe, enter perfectly into Islam (by obeying Allah) and follow not the footsteps of Satan. Verily he is your open Enemy.” Al Baqarah 2:208
By such a definition, the Muslims must resort to the Akham Shariya as the source of all of their concepts and ideas. For a Muslim, Allah defines Islam as well as Kufr or any other dies or concept, as he states: “To Allah Belong the Ghayb (unseen) of the heavens and the Earth and to him Return all Affairs.”
“Blessed be he who sent down the criterion to his slave that he may be Warner to the Al Amin.” Al Furqan 25: 1
The Definition
Any belief that exists outside the boundaries set forth by Allah (swt) falls under the category of Kufr or Disbelief. The word Kufr and Kafir are derived from the root ‘Kafar,” which linguistically means “to cover.” Even the farmer is considered a kafir in the linguistic sense because he is covering the seeds with soil. When it comes to application, the Shar’ri meaning supersedes the linguistic connotations. For example, jihad, linguistically means struggle, but the Shariya meaning defines Jihad as the physical fighting (qitaal) conducted by the Khilafah’s Army to remove physical obstacles that try to suppress the propagation of Islam. Also, Hajj means “to go” linguistically. If Muslims resorted to the linguistic meanings, then going to shopping mall would be considered Hajj and women who covers her body with the Hijab, would be considered a Kafir, As such, the Shariya or the Juristic meaning, defined the rules and the concepts of Islam.
The same principal apply for the words Kafir and Kufr. In Shar’ri terminology, there exists some general extracts from the classical and respected Mujtahideen (scholars). First and foremost, Kufr is the rejection of Belief in Allah (swt) and the Messengership of Muhammad (saw), because Allah states: Verily, those who disbelieve in Allah and his Messenger and wish to make a distinction between Allah and his Messeger (by believing in Allah and deny the Messenger) saying, “we believe in some, but reject others,’ and wish to adopt a way in between, they are in truth disbelievers. And we have prepared for the disbelievers a humiliating torment.” An Nisa 4:150-151
Types of Kufr
Islam also divides Kufr into some Categories:
1. Kufr Al Takdheeb.
2. Kufr Al Iba.
3. Kufr as Shakk.
4. Kufr Al I’raad.
5. Kufr an Nifaaq
1. Kufr Al Takdheeb.
Kufr al Takdheeb or denying Islam (as Allah says in Quran) “Then who does more wrong that the one who utters a lie against Allah and Denies the Truth(quran, Messenger, Resurrection, reward and Punishment) when it comes to him. Is there not in hell an abode for the disbelievers? Az-Zumar 39:32)
“The only deen in the sight of Allah is Islam.” Al-Imran 3:19
“And whoever seeks a deen other than Islam, it will never be accepted from him and in the hereafter he will be one of the Losers.” Al Imran 3:85
2. Kufr Al Iba.
Kufr al Iba wat Takabbur ma’at Tasdeeq, implying refusal to submit to Alah and his Commandments out of arrogance after knowing Allah because Allah Says: “And when we said to the angels: Prostrate yourselves before Adam. And they prostrated except Iblis, he refused and was arrogant and was on of the Disbelievers.” (al Baqara 2:34)
3. Kufr as Shakk wa al Thann
Kufr as Shakk wa al Thann, which means doubting or rejecting any of the six articles of Iman, as Allah says: “And he went into his garden while in a state (of pride and disbelief) unjust to himself. He said: ‘I think not that this will ever perish. And I think not the hour will ever come, and if indeed I am brought back to my lord (on day of resurrection) I surely shall find better than this when I return to him.’ His campanion said to him during the talk with him, “Do you disbelieve in Him who created you out of dust (your father Adam) then out of Nutfah (semen from the male and female discharge), then fashioned you into a man? But as for my part (I believe that He is Allah my lord, and none shall I associate as partner with my Lord.”” (al Khaf 18: 35-38)
4. Kufr al I’Raad
It describes the action of willingly turning away from the haqq to which Allah (swt) states: “we created not the heavens and the earth and all that is between them except with Haqq and for an appointed term. But those who disbelieve and turn away from the whereof, they are warned.” (al Ahqaf 46: 3)
5. Kufr an Nifaaq
It implies hypocritical disbelieve, because Allah (swt) states: “They have made their oaths a screen (for hypocrisy). Thus they hinder (men) from the path of Allah. Verily evil is what they used to do. That is because they believed, then disbelieved, therefore their hearts hare sealed, so they understand not.” (al Munafiqoon 63: 2-3)
A person who commits any one or more of the major acts of disbelief is considered a kafir. No grey exists in Islam in which a person can be called a “believer, but not a Muslim.” Islam defines the human being as either a Muslim or Kafir – a Muslim as one who believes in the Aqeedah of Islam and tenets of Iman, and who follows any belief or creed other than Islam or rejects any one of the fundamental pillars of the Islamic Faith. To claim to believe in Allah (swt) while denying Muhammad (saw) as a Messenger, or believing that Allah (swt) can have a son or can exists as multiple entities, excludes such an individual from the circle of Islam.
A Muslim is not someone who merely appreciates Islam while adhering to the teachings of bible or a person who possess sound morals and decency or character. The notion of a Muslim who does not believe in Islam, or some who is ‘Muslim and not a Muslim simultaneously” contradicts the natural law of Allah (swt). No one can imagine a communist who does not believe in communism, a Christian who does not believe in Christianity, or some who is Jewish and not a Jewish at the same time.
Also, Muhammad (saw) said: ‘A disbeliever will asked, ‘supposed you had as much gold as could fill the earth. Would you offer it to ransom yourself (from the hell fire)? He will reply, ‘Yes.” Then it will be said to him, ‘you were asked something easier than that: To join none in worship with Allah (swt). But you refused.” Worshipping Allah (swt) means believing that Allah (swt) is one with al his attributes, believing in al of the pillars of Imaan, and submitting to all of Allah (swt)’s rules. Anything else denotes the kufr, and such a person is considered a Kafir by definition.
Ahl ul Kitab, Mushrikee, and Kafireen
Islam clearly defines that terms Ahl Ul Kitab, Mushrikeen, and Kafireen. The term Alh ul Kitab (people of the book) specifically refers to Jews and Christians. The Quran refers to them by this term because there received books such as the Torah and the Injeel. The term Mushrikeen (Polytheists) denotes people who associate other gods with Allah (swt). As mentioned previously, the term Kafir refers to anyone who disbelieves in any of the tenets of Islam, such as the belief in Allah (swt), HIS attributes, the Messengers of Allah (swt), all the angels, all the books, and the day of Resurrection.
Allah (swt) gave no other reasons for using such a categorization. Unfortunately, the Ummah’s lack of focus had led many Muslims to debate and bicker over clear cut issues. Questions such as why Allah (swt) did not refer to the Ahl Ul Kitab as Mushirkeen because they also worship idols, or why Allah (swt) referred to the disbelievers under three headings instead of one, are commonly asked. Nobody can fathom why alah used there terms, and no one can offer his own reasons on Allah (swt)’s behalf. Such a process leads the person to question the Ghayb (Unseen) which lies beyond the limited scope of the human mind and senses and only results in speculation that waters the Ummah’s intellectual resources over questions that will never be resolved. The same persons who pose such questions might ask well why Allah (swt) created Jinn from fire and the Human being from cay or why Allah (swt) made the sun rise in the east not in the west. The questions that concern that Ghayb are endless.
The role of the mind is to submit to Allah (swt)’s rules and to pass judgement on them or question Allah (swt)’s knowledge. Allah (swt) called the Jews and the Christians as Ahl Ul Kitab because they were given previous scriptures for no other reason, and He (swt) addressed all other disbelievers Mushrikeen. The Muslims are ordered to surrender to Islam and the Islamic text as Allah (swt) states: “The only saying of the faithful believers, when they are called to Allah and His Messenger to Judge between them, is, “We Listen and we Obey.”” (al Nur 24: 51)
Islam clearly defined Ah ul Kitab, Mushrikeen, and Kafireen and these definitions are not subject of debate. The Muslims must take these definitions as they are.
Are the Ahl Ul Kitab Kuffar?
Because the Quran refers to the Ahl ul Kitab under a different name, many quickly conclude that Allah (swt) has given them a special status that is situated midway between Islam and Kufr, meaning the Grey area. The abundance of evidence from Quran and Sunnah clearly establishes that Ah ul Kitab as Kuffar. The early Muslims did not have any difficulty in understanding this issue, nor was the issue ever a subject of dispute among them. Referring to the Ahl ul Kitab as kuffar does not denote negative treatment of them as many Muslims many think, but firmly established that Muslims constitute one Milla (grouping), and the kuffar comprise another, ideologically and culturally distinct from the Muslim Ummah. Islam defines any person who rejects some or all of the fundamental tenets of imaan as a Kafir, and the Ah ul Kitab are no exception. Many ayat in the Quran clearly establishes this point without any ambiguity: “surely, in disbelief are they who say that Allah is the Messiah, son of Mary. Say, ‘who then has the least power against Allah if He were to destroy the Messiah, son of Mary, his mother, and all those who are on the earth together?’ and to Allah belong the dominion of the heavens and the earth and all that is between them. He creates what he wills, and Allah is able to do all things.” (al Maidha 5: 17)
“as the Jews say: “Uzayr is the son of Allah.” And the Christians say: “The Messiah is the son of Allah. This is a saying from their mouths. They imitate the saying of the disbelievers of old. Allah’s curse be on them, how they are deluded away from the truth. (at Taubah 9: 30)
“they took their priests and rabbis to be their lords beside Allah. And they took their lord as they son of Mary. Yet, they were commanded to worship none but one Illah, there is no Ilah but me. Praise and glory be to Him. Far is He from having partners they associate with him. (at Taubah 9: 31)
such individuals misinterpret these ayat by neglecting other ayat and isolating them from the context of the Seerah. Ibn Khateer, one fo the classical mufasireen (commentators of Quran), states in his book, Tafseer Ibn Khateer, that these ayat refer to the Jews who existed from the Time of Musa (as) until the time of Isa (as), not to be confused with the Jews and Christians during the time of Muhammad (saw) and who exist today. The ayat refer to the Christians as Nasireen, which linguistically mean ‘helpers.” The helpers were the Hawariyeen (Disciples) of Prophet Isa (as) who followed his message until the time of Muhammad (saw) and did not ascribe partners with Allah (swt). Based on these ayat, the term “Christians’ does not accurately refer to these people and Ibn Jawzi, who lived in the 12the century AD, says the same in his book Zad al Maseer Fi Ilm At Tafseer.
The ayat refer to those from among the previous groups who existed before Islam and adhered to their scriptures, but these ayat were later abrogated by the ayah which states: “And whosoever, desires a religion other than Islam, it will never be accepted from him, and in the hereafter, he will be one of the losers.” (al Imran 3:85)
After Muhammad (saw), Allah (swt) has chosen Islam as the deen for all of humanity and no one on the day of Judgement who was presented Islam and rejected it will have any excuse that will exempt him from the punishment of the hell fire.
This is in regards to the thoughts and beliefs carried by Ah ul Kitab. When it comes to a particular person he cannot be considered Kafir until Islam is presented in an effective way and he or she rejects it deliberately knowing that it is the Haqq. If Islam did not reach this person, then he or she cannot be considered as such.
“Whoever goes right, then he goes right only for the benefit of his ownself. And whoever goes astray, then he goes astray to his own loss. No one laden with Burdens can bear another’s burden. And we never punish until we have sent a messenger (to give warning)” (Al Israh 17: 15)
However, when it came to deal with this type of person in this life, such as a Kafir woman from Ah ul Kitab marrying a Muslim man, then it is permitted. This individual still takes the status of the Kafirah in the legal aspect and holds her accountable in the hereafter.
Abrahamic Religions
As a result of confusion in the understanding Islam and its uniqueness, many alien ideas has surface among the Muslims that are designed to obliterate the clear distinction between Islam and Kufr. The call to adopt the concept of “Abrahamic Religions” has rise to forefront of ideas. Those who call for this absurdity claim that Judaism, Christianity and Islam share the same roots because they all emanate from the same source, the Prophet Ibrahim (as). As a result of such a call, “Trialogues” have emerged in which Muslims would sit together with Christians and Jews to discuss their commonalties and establish a common linkage between them as offshoots of the same prototypic religion of Ibrahim (as).
The concept of Abrahamic Religions states that a commonality exits between Islam and Kufr, whereas no such concept exits in them. No one can claim that such a commonality among religions exists without directly contradiction the Quran and the Sunnah. Allah (swt) states in Quran: “ Say (O Muhammad): “O people of the Book, come to a word that is just between us and you, that we worship none but Allah, and we associate no partners with Him, and that none of us shall take others as lords beside Allah. Then, if they turn away, say, “bear witness that we are Muslims, O people of the Book! Why do you dispute about Abraham, while the Torah and the Injeel were not revealed until after him? Have you then no sense?” (al Imran 3: 64-65)
“Ibrahim was not a Jew or Christian. But he was a true Muslim Hanifan, and bowed his will to Allah and he joined not god with Allah. Without doubt, among men, the nearest of kin to Ibrahim are those who follow him, AS ARE ALSO THIS MESSENGER and those who believe. And Allah is the protector of those who have faith.” (al Imran 3: 67-68)
Many people who call for Abrahamic Religions justify their claims by citing that they are following the Sunnah of Muhammad (saw). Those individuals should draw their attention towards the following incident: “Umar (ra) narrates that he brought a copy of the Torah to Muhammad (saw) and said. “Allah’s Messenger, this is copy of Torah.” When he began to read it, he noticed the colour of the face of Muhammad (saw) underwent a change, whereupon Abu Bakr (ra) said; “would that your mother mourn you, don’t you see the face of Allah’s Messenger?” Umar (ra) saw the face of Muhammad (saw) and said, “I seek refuge with Allah from the wrath of Allah and the wrath of Allah’s Messenger. We all are pleased with Allah as the lord, with Islam as our deen, and with Muhammad as the Prophet.” Muhammad (saw) then said: “by him whose hand is the life of Muhammad, even if Musa were to appear before you and you were to follow him, leaving me aside, you would certainly stray into error, for if Musa were alive and he found me, he would have definitely followed me (Miskhat al Masabhi)
Such incidents clearly indicate that Muhammad (saw) for from promoting a brotherly understanding of Judeo-Christian-Islamic traditions or encouraging practices such as Abrahamic Faiths and was the first person to address the Ah ul Kitab as kuffar and did not hesitate to use the word Kafir.
Every Muslim acknowledge that Allah (swt) and His Messenger Muhammad (saw) speak the Truth. Allah (swt) and the Muhammad (saw) state that Truth and Falsehood will never join hands, that the Ah ul Kitab are kuffar, and have to relationship to Ibrahim or to Islam, and that Islam will clash with other ideas. When voices emerge claiming that the truth and falsehood share the same roots and can coexist, and that the Ah ul Kitab and Muslim are brothers in faith and the offspring of Ibrahim’s family tree, the Muslims must reject such calls as an open invitation to destruction in this life and in the hereafter. The enemies of Islam have injected into the Ummah such calls as Abrahamic Religions to dilute the clear and distinct understanding of Islam in the Muslim Ummah and to busy the Muslims in trumpeting slogans that neither exists in Islam nor in reality.
Muslim and Kafireen
Many Muslims hesitate in referring to he Non-Muslims as kuffar because they believe that the word carries a derogatory meaning. Using such vocabulary, according to many, would contradict certain principles of Islam that emphasize fair conduct, decency in behaviour, and kindness towards Non Muslims. The question emerges: how can a sincere Muslim, who adheres to such principles, simultaneously use terms like “Kafir, kuffar, and Kufr”?
Answering this question requires that understanding that Allah (swt) ordered all Muslims to obey his orders and to submit to His laws, which are found in the Quran and the Sunnah. Anything that Allah (swt) his Messenger (saw) have decreed, the Muslims must submit to willingly and without any hesitation, whether it sound easy or difficult, practical or improbably, reasonable or unreasonable. When Allah (swt) obliges the Muslims to carry dawah to the world, all Muslims are ordered to submit to this command by virtue of being Muslims. Similarly, when Allah (swt) orders the Muslims to be nice, possess good moral, maintain good relationships with others, and help other human beings, the Muslims must submit to those commands for no other reason then because Allah (swt) commanded them. Moreover, the Muslims are bound by the orders of Allah (swt) to perform their actions following the Sunnah of the Muhammad (saw).
“He who obeys the Messenger has indeed obeyed Allah…” (al Nisa 4:80) “Say (O Muhammad), if you love Allah then follow me. Allah will love you and forgive your sins.” (al Imran 3:31)
Based on these ayat, the Muslims are ordered to carry the Dawah and work to establish the Islamic state according to the Seerah of the Muhammad (saw).
Similarly, the Muhammad (saw) showed the Muslims when to be nice and when to be rude, when to be angry and when to be merciful, as well as how and to whom. Thus, every situation, act, issue, or problem has an Islamic ruling, or a Hukm Sharri, and the Muslims must take all the rules and submit to them comprehensively, looking at each situation or issues as a distinct one with its own specific Hukm (Order).
Addressing the Non Muslims and the terms that Islam refers to them by are one issue, distinct from carrying the Dawah of Islam and the relationship between Muslims and non-Muslims. Whether carrying the Dawah according to What Islam dictates results in resentment among the Kafireen or not the dawah must continue to be conveyed in that manner. No human being has the right to say that the methodology of Muhammad (saw) should be changed to suit the current situation as the Islamic Method does not constitute ‘good behaviour” towards the Non Muslims. If Allah (swt) and His Messenger (saw) addresses the non-Muslims as Kafireen and address their beliefs and actions under the heading of kufr, then this terminology is cemented until the day of judgement. Nobody has the right to change the terminology that Allah (swt) has used to describe the non-Muslims and their beliefs, in the same way that no one can claim that the Jinn are creatures created from clay or that hell fire is the reward from Allah and Jannah is Allah’s Punishment.
If the kuffar resent the Muslims for practicing Islam and submitting to Allah (swt)’s rules in their totality , such a scenario cannot be avoided because Allah (swt) states : “ Neither those who disbelieve among the people of the Book (Jews and Christians) nor Al Mushrikoon like that there should be any good sent down onto you from your lord.” (al Baqarah 2: 105)
“Never will the Jews nor the Christians be pleased with you until you follow their religion.” (al baqarah 2: 120)
such a conflict does not excuse the Muslims to neglect some aspects of Islam or to make justification in order to save the skin or to appease the kuffar. Every Muslim had the choice: he can either please kuffar or please Allah (swt). Based on the above mentioned ayat, Allah (swt) Sunnah very clearly states in no equivocal language that that Muslims cannot have both.