Question:
asww
iof this day an age saying the word kafir to a disbeliever is a offence, and all the hadith regarding calling someone kafir are regarding calling fellow muslim. i would like to know what is the shari stance on calling a disbeliever a kafir with the intenion of abuse and degrading someone, as i am a teacher in a school so mnany muslim students call non muslims kafir as a abusive comment. i would like some evidences
jazakaumllah
Answer:
In the name of Allah, Most Compassionate, Most Merciful,
As-salāmu ‘alaykum wa-rahmatullāhi wa-barakātuh.
At the outset, it is important to understand that it is not permissible to degrade anyone, irrespective of him being a muslim or not. Every human being should be respected as a creation of Allah. Allah tells us in the Qur’an:
ولقد كرمنا بني آدم (بني إسرائيل:70)
Translation: Indeed, we have granted honour to the children of Aadam.)Bani-Israeel: 70)
This verse is inclusive of all human beings. Furthermore, Shariah emphasizes on good character and conduct. Moreover, it is equally important to display good conduct with non-Muslims. Allah Ta’ala refers to Rasullullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam in the Quran:
إنك لعلى خلق عظيم (القلم: 4)
Translation:Verily, you are upon an exalted character (Al-Qalam: 4)
It is good character and conduct that attracts people to Islam. It is irresponsible for a person to display bad character and conduct even to non-Muslims. Degrading and abusing a non-Muslim will only create animosity against Islam in his heart. Furthermore, it will lead him/her to insult Islam.
It is important to note that the term Kaafir is an Arabic word that is derived from the root word كفرwhich means to disbelieve. Contextually, it refers to people who do not believe in the tenets of Islam. Hence, Kafir is translatedas non believer. The word Kafir, in the essence of the word, is not meant to defame or humiliate. It is incorrect to understand the word Kaafir beyond its literal sense.
