Qur'anic Keywords: A Reference Guide by Abdur Rashid Siddiqui

Author:Abdur Rashid Siddiqui [Siddiqui, Abdur Rashid]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Religion, islam, theology
ISBN: 9780860376767
Google: o2hjCwAAQBAJ
Publisher: Kube Publishing Ltd
Published: 2015-12-10T00:08:26.747535+00:00

Kufr [] (Unbelief)

Meanings

The root of Kufr is KFR which means to cover or hide. Hence, it also contains the meaning of denial of something, which has the underlying meaning of unbelief that is hiding the truth or denying its recognition. Thus, Kufr is used as the opposite of Īmān which means affirmation and belief, it means unbelief and rejection. Kufr is also used as the opposite of Shukr (gratitude). In this case it means ungratefulness and ungraciousness (Ibrāhīm 14: 7).

The Forms of Kufr

Kufr may take different forms. One, a person may completely deny the existence of God and reject that God is the Supreme Being and the Lord of the Universe: this is atheism. Two, a person who does not believe that God is the only true deity (object of worship) and is to be worshipped exclusively is a polytheist. Three, one may believe in God but refuse to accept His Guidance and laws and reject that these are sources of knowledge and guidance. Four, one may accept that one should follow God’s guidance but refuse to believe in His Messengers. Five, while believing in some of the Messengers, a person may discriminate against others. Six, despite believing in Allah, His Messengers and His Books a person may refuse to follow their teachings. They all represent different forms of Kufr.

Kāfir

Kāfir (pl. Kuffār, Kāfirūn) means one who is an unbeliever. This word was used primarily for the infidels of Arabia. As Ahl al-Kitāb (People of the Book) were also involved in one of the forms of Kufr, sometimes the word was applied to them as well (al-Bayyinah 98: 1 and 6). Despite the flagrant Kufr of the idolaters they were rarely addressed as Kāfirūn. It is to be noted that the word Kuffār is not a derogatory term. It is an appellation for those who reject faith.

Some Mufassirūn have translated the word Kuffār in Sūrah al-Ḥadīd (57: 20) in its literal meaning for tillers or farmers – because they sow the seed and cover it up with soil.

Kaffārah

The word Kaffārah means penance and atonement because these conceal and remove sins. Usually good acts atone for sinful deeds as mentioned in Sūrah Hūd: “For those things that are good remove those that are evil” (11: 114). But for serious misdemeanours Kaffārah or Fidyah (meaning ransom or redemption) are necessary. Technically there is a difference between these two terms, although their meaning is the same (see al-Baqarah 2: 184, 196; 57: 15). Atonement is for making amends for the shortcomings and wrongs one has committed. This is acceptable provided there is sincerity in repentance. For different acts of commission and omission there are different forms of Kaffārah. Atonement may take the form of fasting, clothing and feeding the poor, or acts of charity, sacrifice of an animal or freeing of slaves. Following the abolition of slavery this last option, of course, is no longer available.

References

Kufr: 2: 108; 3: 52; 5: 41; 16: 106; 49: 7. Kaffārah: 5: 45, 89 and 95.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.