In common parlance, it is generally believed that the term of “Kafir” or “Disbeliever” in Islam refers to all non-Muslims.
However, an analysis of the Holy Quran shows that this concept is much more nuanced and has been a subject of intense debates and discussions both within and outside Islamic theology and jurisprudence.
Besides disbelief in God and Islam, there are some other qualities and characteristics as well that define a Kafir or disbeliever in Islam.
This article will succinctly explore those key qualities and characteristics of kafir or disbeliever as mentioned in Islamic scriptures.
Believe in Idols & False Gods
And We certainly sent a Messenger to every community and nation saying: “Worship God, and shun false deities”. Then among them were some whom Allah guided, and among them were some who deserved to be left to stray. So travel through the land and see the end of those who denied the truth. Holy Quran 16:36
Have you ˹O Prophet˺ not seen those who were given a portion of the Scriptures yet believe in idols and false gods and reassure the disbelievers that they are better guided than the believers? 4:51
Certainly you ˹disbelievers˺ and whatever you worship instead of Allah will be the fuel of Hell. You are ˹all˺ bound to enter it. 21:98
You invite me to disbelieve in Allah and associate with Him what I have no knowledge of, while I invite you to the Almighty, Most Forgiving. 40:42
Yet they worship besides Allah what can neither benefit nor harm them. And the disbeliever always collaborates against their Lord. 25:55
As people often become restless when they hear Islamic negation of idol worship and belief in false & concoted deities, gods and goddesses, it would be pertinent to quote some verses from Guru Granth Sahib & Bhagawad Gita as well to stress the severity of the matter.
Granth Sahib
He is Allah, the Unknowable, the Inaccessible, All-powerful and Merciful Creator. All the world comes and goes—only the Merciful Lord is permanent.(Guru Granth Sahib)
You worship stones and sit like a stork, pretending to be in Samaadhi…If you knew the nature of God, you would know that all of these beliefs and rituals are in vain.” (Guru Granth Sahib 470:16-18)
That stone idol, for which you tear off those leaves, that stone idol is lifeless.(Guru Granth Sahib 479-5)
The sculptor carves the stone and fashions it into an idol, placing his feet upon its chest. If this stone god was true, it would devour the sculptor for this.(Guru Granth Sahib 479-7)
Why worship gods and goddesses, O Siblings of Destiny? What can we ask of them? What can they give us? (Guru Granth Sahib 637-6)
The ignorant fools pick up stones and worship them. But when those stones themselves sink, who will carry you across?(Guru Granth Sahib 556-10)
Those who call a stone their god – their service is useless. Those who fall at the feet of a stone god, their work is wasted in vain. (Guru Granth Sahib 1160-5-6)
The stone does not speak; it does not give anything to anyone. Such religious rituals are useless; such service is fruitless. If a corpse is anointed with sandalwood oil, what good does it do? What good does it do? What does it lose from this? Says Kabeer, I proclaim this out loud-behold, and understand, you ignorant, faithless cynic. The love of duality has ruined countless homes. (Guru Granth Sahib 1160:8-11)
The Hindus have forgotten the Primal Lord; they are going the wrong way.” (Guru Granth Sahib 556:9)
O Pandit O religious scholar, your Gayatri was grazing in the fields. Taking a stick, the farmer broke its leg and now it walks with a limp. O Pandit I saw your great lord shiva riding along on a white bull. In the merchant’s house a banquet was prepared for him-he killed the merchant’s son. (Guru Granth Sahib 874:18-19)
There is no Truth in suffering, there is no Truth in comfort. There is no Truth in wandering like animals through the water. There is no Truth in shaving one’s head; there is no Truth is studying the scriptures or wandering in foreign lands. There is no Truth in trees, plants or stones, in mutilating oneself or suffering in pain. (Guru Granth Sahib 952:8-9)
The supreme essence of reality has no shape or form. (Guru Granth Sahib 952:14)
He is not born, and He does not die; He does not come and go in reincarnation. The God of Nanak is pervading and permeating everywhere.(Guru Granth Sahib)
Also Read| Guru Nanak’s Teachings: Quotes from Guru Granth Sahib
Bhagavad Gita: Chapter 2, Verse 42-43
यामिमां पुष्पितां वाचं प्रवदन्त्यविपश्चित: |
वेदवादरता: पार्थ नान्यदस्तीति वादिन: || 42||
कामात्मान: स्वर्गपरा जन्मकर्मफलप्रदाम् |
क्रियाविशेषबहुलां भोगैश्वर्यगतिं प्रति || 43||
Those with limited understanding, get attracted to the flowery words of the Vedas, which advocate ostentatious rituals for elevation to the celestial abodes, and presume no higher principle is described in them. They glorify only those portions of the Vedas that please their senses, and perform pompous ritualistic ceremonies for attaining high birth, opulence, sensual enjoyment, and elevation to the heavenly planets. (Swami Mukundananda Translation)
Bhagavad Gita: Chapter 7, Verse 20
कामैस्तैस्तैर्हृतज्ञाना: प्रपद्यन्तेऽन्यदेवता: |
तं तं नियममास्थाय प्रकृत्या नियता: स्वया || 20||
Those whose knowledge has been carried away by material desires surrender to the celestial gods. Following their own nature, they worship the devatās, practicing rituals meant to propitiate these celestial personalities.
Bhagavad Gita: Chapter 7, Verse 24
अव्यक्तं व्यक्तिमापन्नं मन्यन्ते मामबुद्धय: |
परं भावमजानन्तो ममाव्ययमनुत्तमम् || 24||
The less intelligent think that I, the Supreme Lord Shree Krishna, was formless earlier and have now assumed this personality. They do not understand the imperishable exalted nature of My personal form.
Bhagavad Gita: Chapter 7, Verse 25
नाहं प्रकाश: सर्वस्य योगमायासमावृत: |
मूढोऽयं नाभिजानाति लोको मामजमव्ययम् || 25||
I am not manifest to everyone, being veiled by My divine Yogmaya energy. Hence, those without knowledge do not know that I am without birth and changeless.
Also Read| Bhagavad Gita on God, Deities & Rituals: Commonalities with Quran & Granth Sahib
Devoted to their Forefathers, Race and Lineage
In Islamic scriptures, disbelievers are often criticized for their devotion to their elite ancestors and forefathers and false glorification of their grand achievements in this mortal world, rather than dedicating themselves to God.
This behavior is considered a form of idolatry, where they prioritize the reverence of human lineage over the worship of the one true God.
The Quran repeatedly emphasizes monotheism and the exclusive worship of Allah, and it condemns the practice of attributing divine qualities to ancestors or forefathers.
This devotion to human lineage is seen as a deviation from the core tenets of Islamic faith, diverting their focus away from the Creator and towards created beings, which is viewed as a grave spiritual error.
When it is said to them, “Follow what Allah has revealed,” they reply, “No! We ˹only˺ follow what we found our forefathers practicing.” ˹Would they still do so,˺ even if their forefathers had ˹absolutely˺ no understanding or guidance? 2:170
When it is said to them, “Come to Allah’s revelations and to the Messenger,” they reply, “What we found our forefathers practicing is good enough for us.” ˹Would they still do so,˺ even if their forefathers had absolutely no knowledge or guidance? 5:104
When it is said to them, “Follow what Allah has revealed,” they reply, “No! We ˹only˺ follow what we found our forefathers practicing.” ˹Would they still do so˺ even if Satan is inviting them to the torment of the Blaze? 31:21
He responded, “Indeed, you and your forefathers have been clearly astray.” 21:54
They argued, “Have you come to turn us away from the faith of our forefathers so that the two of you may become supreme in the land? We will never believe in you!” 10:78
In fact, they say, “We found our forefathers following a ˹particular˺ way, and we are following in their footsteps.” 43:22
They have no knowledge of this, nor did their forefathers. What a terrible claim that comes out of their mouths! They say nothing but lies. 18:5
They said, “Have you come to us so that we would worship Allah alone and abandon what our forefathers used to worship? Then bring us what you threaten us with, if what you say is true!” 7:70
There is no god ˹worthy of worship˺ except Him. He ˹alone˺ gives life and causes death. ˹He is˺ your Lord, and the Lord of your forefathers. 44:8
They argued, “O Ṣâliḥ! We truly had high hopes in you before this. How dare you forbid us to worship what our forefathers had worshipped? We are certainly in alarming doubt about what you are inviting us to.” 11:62
And whenever Our clear revelations are recited to them, their only argument is to say: “Bring our forefathers back, if what you say is true!” 45:25
But when Moses came to them with Our clear signs, they said ˹arrogantly˺, “This is nothing but conjured magic ˹tricks˺. We have never heard of this in ˹the history of˺ our forefathers.” 28:36
They will say, “Glory be to You! It was not right for ˹others like˺ us to take any lords besides You, but You allowed enjoyment for them and their forefathers ˹for so long˺ that they forgot ˹Your˺ remembrance and became a doomed people.” 25:18
Deriding other’s Lineage is also a sign of Disbelief
It is narrated on the authority of Abu Huraira that the Messenger of Allah (may peace and blessings be upon him) observed: Two (things) are found among men which are tantamount to unbelief: slandering one’s lineage and lamentation on the dead. Sahih Muslim 67
وعن أبي هريرة رضي الله عنه قال: قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم : “ اثنتان في الناس هما بهم كفر: الطعن في النسب، والنياحة على الميت” ((رواه مسلم)).
Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) said: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, “Two matters are signs of disbelief on the part of those who indulge in them: Defaming and speaking evil of a person’s lineage, and wailing over the dead.” Riyad as-Salihin 1578
Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, “On the Day of Resurrection, there will be brought forth a bulky person (person of noteworthy status) whose value to Allah will be less than that of the wing of a mosquito”. [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]. Riyad as-Salihin 255
‘Utayy ibn Damura said, “I saw with Ubay a man who was attributing himself (in lineage) with an attribution of Jahiliyyah, so Ubay told him to bite his father’s male organ and did not speak figuratively (i.e. was explicit). So his companions looked at him. He said, ‘It appears that you disapprove of it.’ Then he said, ‘I will never show apprehension to anyone with regards to this. Verily, I heard the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, say, “Whomever attributes himself (in lineage) with an attribution of Jahiliyyah, then tell him to bite his father’s male organ and do not speak figuratively (i.e. be explicit).” Al-Adab Al-Mufrad 963 Grade: Sahih (Al-Albani)
Harithah bin Wahb narrated that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “Shall I not tell you about the people of Paradise? Every weak and oppressed one. Shall I not tell you about the people of Hell? Every harsh, haughty and arrogant one.” Sunan Ibn Majah 4116
Narrated Abu Huraira: Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) said, “Whoever has oppressed another person concerning his reputation or anything else, he should beg him to forgive him before the Day of Resurrection when there will be no money (to compensate for wrong deeds), but if he has good deeds, those good deeds will be taken from him according to his oppression which he has done, and if he has no good deeds, the sins of the oppressed person will be loaded on him.” Sahih al-Bukhari 2449
Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) said: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, “When two persons indulge in abusing each other, the beginner will be the sinner so long as the oppressed does not transgress the limits.” Riyad as-Salihin 1561
What’s wrong with ancestor worship?
- Whose ancestors? and upto what level?
- Hero of one is villain of other. For instance, British may feel proud over their fathers who conquered India but Indians will not. Same is true with Caste System.
- Racist tinge.
- Arbitrary, because one is selective and particular about their ancestors and forefathers. They choose some, disregard others.
Generally Fat, Bulky, and Overeats
It was narrated from Ibn ‘Umar that the Prophet (ﷺ) said: “The disbeliever eats with seven intestines and the believer eats with one intestine.” Sunan Ibn Majah 3257 Grade: Sahih (Darussalam)
Narrated Ibn Umar: Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) said, “A believer eats in one intestine (is satisfied with a little food), and a kafir (disbeliever) or a hypocrite eats in seven intestines (eats too much). Sahih al-Bukhari 5394
Imran bin Husain narrated that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “The best of my Ummah is the generation among whom I was sent, then those who follow them.” He(`Imran) said: I do not know if he mentioned the third or not. “Then there shall appear people who testify while their testimony was not sought, who are treacherous, not trusted, and fatness shall spread among them.” Jami` at-Tirmidhi 2222
‘Imran bin Husain narrated that the Messenger of Allah said: “The best of people are my generation, then those who follow them,then those who follow them, then those who follow them.”(He(s.a.w)said that) three times. “Then, after them a people will come who increase in fatness, loving fatness, giving testimony before they are asked for it.” Jami at-Tirmidhi 2302 Grade: Sahih (Darussalam)
Abu Huraira reported Allah’s Messenger (may, peace be upon him) as saying:
The best age of my Umma is one in which I was sent (by Allah as an Apostle), then the one next to that. (The narrator said): And Allah knows best whether he stated this third (time) or not. Then there would come people who would love (to look) bulky and they would hasten to the witness box before they are asked to bear witness. Sahih Muslim 2534a
Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, “On the Day of Resurrection, there will be brought forth a bulky person (person of noteworthy status) whose value to Allah will be less than that of the wing of a mosquito”. [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]. Riyad as-Salihin 255
It was narrated that Ibn ‘Abbas said: Umar heard that Samurah had sold some wine, and he said: “May Allah ruin Samurah! Does he not know that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: ‘May Allah curse the Jews, for animal fat was forbidden to them, so they melted it down and sold it.’” Sunan Ibn Majah 3383 Grade: Sahih (Darussalam)
Conspire against Belief
Those ˹disbelievers˺ before them ˹secretly˺ planned, but Allah has the ultimate plan. He knows what every soul commits. And the disbelievers will soon know who will have the ultimate outcome. 13:42
When they come to you ˹believers˺ they say, “We believe.” But they are committed to disbelief when they enter and when they leave. And Allah knows what they hide. 5:61
Surely the disbelievers spend their wealth to hinder others from the Path of Allah. They will continue to spend to the point of regret. Then they will be defeated and the disbelievers will be driven into Hell. 8:36
The lowly will say to the arrogant, “No! It was your plotting by day and night—when you ordered us to disbelieve in Allah and to set up equals with Him.” They will ˹all˺ hide ˹their˺ remorse when they see the torment. And We will put shackles around the necks of the disbelievers. Will they be rewarded except for what they used to do? 34:33
Or do they intend to scheme ˹against the Prophet˺? Then it is the disbelievers who will fall victim to ˹their˺ schemes. 52:42
Then, when he came to them with the truth from Us, they said, “Kill the sons of those who believe with him and keep their women.” But the plotting of the disbelievers was only in vain. 40:25
And the disbelievers made a plan ˹against Jesus˺, but Allah also planned—and Allah is the best of planners. 3:54
Make Fun of Belief
When the disbelievers see you ˹O Prophet˺, they only make fun of you, ˹saying,˺ “Is this the one who speaks ˹ill˺ of your gods?” while they disbelieve at the mention of the Most Compassionate. 21:36
O believers! Do not seek the guardianship of those given the Scripture before you and the disbelievers who have made your faith a mockery and amusement. And be mindful of Allah if you are ˹truly˺ believers. 5:57
When you call to prayer, they mock it in amusement. This is because they are a people without understanding. 5:58
The disbelieving chiefs of his people responded, “We surely see you as a fool, and we certainly think you are a liar.” 7:66
When Our clear revelations are recited to them, the disbelievers ask the believers ˹mockingly˺, “Which of the two of us is better in status and superior in assembly?” 19:73
Falsely Elevate Themselves
According to Islamic scriptures, disbelievers falsely elevate themselves when they reject the message of Islam and deny the existence of Allah.
Have you ˹O Prophet˺ not seen those who ˹falsely˺ elevate themselves? It is Allah who elevates whoever He wills. And none will be wronged ˹even by the width of˺ the thread of a date stone. 4:49
This elevation is considered a form of arrogance and pride, as they refuse to submit to the divine guidance and teachings outlined in the Quran.
Islamic teachings emphasize humility and the recognition of one’s dependence on the Creator, and disbelievers are seen as straying from this path by placing themselves above the guidance of Allah.
It is believed that this false sense of elevation can lead to spiritual blindness and distance from the truth, ultimately hindering their path to spiritual growth and salvation in the eyes of Islamic theology.
Also, which ˹powerless˺ force will come to your help instead of the Most Compassionate? Indeed, the disbelievers are only ˹lost˺ in delusion. 67:20
Resistance to Religion & Righteousness
Surely the disbelievers spend their wealth to hinder others from the Path of Allah. They will continue to spend to the point of regret. Then they will be defeated and the disbelievers will be driven into Hell, 8:36
Surely those who disbelieve, hinder ˹others˺ from the Way of Allah, and then die as disbelievers; Allah will never forgive them. 47:34
Those who disbelieve and hinder ˹others˺ from the Way of Allah, He will render their deeds void. 47:1
Those who disbelieve and hinder ˹others˺ from the Way of Allah have certainly strayed far away. 4:167
Who hinder ˹others˺ from Allah’s Path, striving to make it ˹appear˺ crooked, and disbelieve in the Hereafter. 11:19
They wish to extinguish Allah’s light with their mouths, but Allah will ˹certainly˺ perfect His light, even to the dismay of the disbelievers. 61:8
They are the ones who persisted in disbelief and hindered you from the Sacred Mosque, preventing the sacrificial animals from reaching their destination. ˹We would have let you march through Mecca,˺ had there not been believing men and women, unknown to you. You might have trampled them underfoot, incurring guilt for ˹what you did to˺ them unknowingly. That was so Allah may admit into His mercy whoever He wills.2 Had those ˹unknown˺ believers stood apart, We would have certainly inflicted a painful punishment on the disbelievers. 48:25
Express Anger against Belief
Whenever Our clear revelations are recited to them, you ˹O Prophet˺ recognize rage on the faces of the disbelievers, as if they are going to snap at those who recite Our revelations to them. Say, “Shall I inform you of something far more enraging than that? ˹It is˺ the Fire with which Allah has threatened those who disbelieve. What an evil destination!” 22:72
Whenever Our clear revelations are recited to them, you ˹O Prophet˺ recognize rage on the faces of the disbelievers, as if they are going to snap at those who recite Our revelations to them. Say, “Shall I inform you of something far more enraging than that? ˹It is˺ the Fire with which Allah has threatened those who disbelieve. What an evil destination!” 22:72
Prosperous, Stingy & Materialistic
None disputes the signs of Allah except the disbelievers, so do not be deceived by their prosperity throughout the land. 40:4
Do not be deceived by the prosperity of the disbelievers throughout the land. 3:196
Do not let your eyes crave the ˹fleeting˺ pleasures We have provided for some of the disbelievers, nor grieve for them. And be gracious to the believers. 15:88
In Islamic scriptures, disbelievers are often depicted as being stingy, not just in material matters but also in matters of faith and compassion.
Those who are stingy, promote stinginess among people, and withhold Allah’s bounties. We have prepared for the disbelievers a humiliating punishment. 4:37
This portrayal is rooted in the belief that they withhold their acknowledgment of God’s existence and the charity and goodwill that should flow from such recognition.
Their reluctance to share in the blessings of faith and to assist those in need is seen as a manifestation of spiritual miserliness.
Islam encourages generosity and the sharing of wealth and knowledge with others, and disbelievers are viewed as falling short in these areas due to their refusal to accept the teachings of Islam.
This is because they prefer the life of this world over the Hereafter. Surely Allah never guides those who ˹choose to˺ disbelieve. 16:107
Fabricate Lies & Play with Words
See how they fabricate lies against Allah—this alone is a blatant sin. 4:50
No one fabricates lies except those who disbelieve in Allah’s revelations, and it is they who are the ˹true˺ liars. 16:105
Some Jews take words out of context and say, “We listen and we disobey,” “Hear! May you never hear,” and “Râ’ina!” [Herd us!]—playing with words and discrediting the faith. Had they said ˹courteously˺, “We hear and obey,” “Listen to us,” and “Unẓurna,” [Tend to us!] it would have been better for them and more proper. Allah has condemned them for their disbelief, so they do not believe except for a few. 4:46
Envy Allah’s Bounties
Or do they envy the people for Allah’s bounties? Indeed, We have given the descendants of Abraham the Book and wisdom, along with great authority. 4:54
Sinners & Hypocrites
Those are the disbelievers, the ˹wicked˺ sinners. 80:42
You see many of them racing towards sin, transgression, and consumption of forbidden gain. Evil indeed are their actions! 5:62
But the hearts of those ˹who disbelieve˺ are oblivious to ˹all of˺ this, and they have other ˹evil˺ deeds, opposite to this, in which they are engrossed. 23:63
˹The hypocrites are˺ those who wait to see what happens to you. So if Allah grants you victory, they say ˹to you˺, “Were we not on your side?” But if the disbelievers have a share ˹of victory˺, they say ˹to them˺, “Did we not have the advantage over you, yet we protected you from the believers?” Allah will judge between ˹all of˺ you on the Day of Judgment. And Allah will never grant the disbelievers a way over the believers. 4:141
Persist in Denial, Arrogant & Boastful
In fact, the disbelievers persist in denial. 84:22
Whenever Our clear revelations are recited to them, the disbelievers say of the truth when it has come to them, “This is pure magic.” 46:7
˹This is the truth,˺ yet the disbelievers are ˹entrenched˺ in arrogance and opposition. 38:2
˹Remember˺ when the disbelievers had filled their hearts with pride—the pride of ˹pre-Islamic˺ ignorance—then Allah sent down His serenity upon His Messenger and the believers, inspiring them to uphold the declaration of faith, for they were better entitled and more worthy of it. And Allah has ˹perfect˺ knowledge of all things. 48:25
Not at all! My revelations had already come to you, but you rejected them, acted arrogantly, and were one of the disbelievers.” 39:59
And Pharaoh called out to his people, boasting, “O my people! Am I not sovereign over Egypt as well as ˹all˺ these streams flowing at my feet? Can you not see? 43:51
Have you seen ˹O Prophet˺ the one who rejects Our revelations yet boasts, “I will definitely be granted ˹plenty of˺ wealth and children ˹if there is an afterlife˺.”? 19:77
But if We give them a taste of prosperity after being touched with adversity, they say, “My ills are gone,” and become totally prideful and boastful, 11:10
“And do not turn your nose up to people, nor walk pridefully upon the earth. Surely Allah does not like whoever is arrogant, boastful. 31:18
As for ’Ȃd, they acted arrogantly throughout the land with no right, boasting, “Who is superior to us in might?” Did they not see that Allah ˹Himself˺, Who created them, was far superior to them in might? Still they persisted in denying Our signs. 41:15
˹We let you know this˺ so that you neither grieve over what you have missed nor boast over what He has granted you. For Allah does not like whoever is arrogant, boastful 57:23
Worship Allah ˹alone˺ and associate none with Him. And be kind to parents, relatives, orphans, the poor, near and distant neighbours, close friends, ˹needy˺ travellers, and those ˹bondspeople˺ in your possession. Surely Allah does not like whoever is arrogant, boastful. 4:36
Know that this worldly life is no more than play, amusement, luxury, mutual boasting, and competition in wealth and children. This is like rain that causes plants to grow, to the delight of the planters. But later the plants dry up and you see them wither, then they are reduced to chaff. And in the Hereafter there will be either severe punishment or forgiveness and pleasure of Allah, whereas the life of this world is no more than the delusion of enjoyment. 57:20
Lead People Astray
Have you not seen those ˹disbelievers˺ who meet Allah’s favours with ingratitude and lead their own people to their doom? 14:28
The disbelievers advised ˹one another˺, “Do not listen to this Quran but drown it out so that you may prevail.” 41:26
Punishment for Kafirs
Condemned are ˹disbelieving˺ humans! How ungrateful they are ˹to Allah˺! 80:17
Surely those who disbelieve and die as disbelievers are condemned by Allah, the angels, and all of humanity. 2:161
Those who disbelieved will be driven to Hell in ˹successive˺ groups. When they arrive there, its gates will be opened and its keepers will ask them: “Did messengers not come to you from among yourselves, reciting to you the revelations of your Lord and warning you of the coming of this Day of yours?” The disbelievers will cry, “Yes ˹indeed˺! But the decree of torment has come to pass against the disbelievers.” 39:71
The lowly will say to the arrogant, “No! It was your plotting by day and night—when you ordered us to disbelieve in Allah and to set up equals with Him.” They will ˹all˺ hide ˹their˺ remorse when they see the torment. And We will put shackles around the necks of the disbelievers. Will they be rewarded except for what they used to do? 34:33
Those who disbelieve and wrong themselves—surely Allah will neither forgive them nor guide them to any path 4:168
The parable of the deeds of those who disbelieve in their Lord is that of ashes fiercely blown away by wind on a stormy day. They will gain nothing from what they have earned. That is ˹truly˺ the farthest one can stray. 14:18
Do not think ˹O Prophet˺ that Allah is unaware of what the wrongdoers do. He only delays them until a Day when ˹their˺ eyes will stare in horror. 14:42
Indeed, if each of those who disbelieve then die as disbelievers were to offer a ransom of enough gold to fill the whole world, it would never be accepted from them. It is they who will suffer a painful punishment, and they will have no helpers. 3:91
Their Deeds are Void
ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا۟ وَصَدُّوا۟ عَن سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ أَضَلَّ أَعْمَـٰلَهُمْ ١
Those who disbelieve and hinder ˹others˺ from the Way of Allah, He will render their deeds void. 47:1
سُنَّةَ ٱللَّهِ ٱلَّتِى قَدْ خَلَتْ مِن قَبْلُ ۖ وَلَن تَجِدَ لِسُنَّةِ ٱللَّهِ تَبْدِيلًۭا ٢٣
˹This is˺ Allah’s way, already long established ˹in the past˺. And you will find no change in Allah’s way. 48:23
How to deal with Disbelievers?
O Prophet! Struggle against the disbelievers and the hypocrites, and be firm with them. Hell will be their home. What an evil destination! 9:73
O Prophet! Struggle against the disbelievers and the hypocrites, and be firm with them. Hell will be their home. What an evil destination! 66:9
As for the disbelievers, they are guardians of one another. And unless you ˹believers˺ act likewise, there will be great oppression and corruption in the land. 8:73
مُّحَمَّدٌۭ رَّسُولُ ٱللَّهِ ۚ وَٱلَّذِينَ مَعَهُۥٓ أَشِدَّآءُ عَلَى ٱلْكُفَّارِ رُحَمَآءُ بَيْنَهُمْ ۖ تَرَىٰهُمْ رُكَّعًۭا سُجَّدًۭا يَبْتَغُونَ فَضْلًۭا مِّنَ ٱللَّهِ وَرِضْوَٰنًۭا ۖ سِيمَاهُمْ فِى وُجُوهِهِم مِّنْ أَثَرِ ٱلسُّجُودِ ۚ ذَٰلِكَ مَثَلُهُمْ فِى ٱلتَّوْرَىٰةِ ۚ وَمَثَلُهُمْ فِى ٱلْإِنجِيلِ كَزَرْعٍ أَخْرَجَ شَطْـَٔهُۥ فَـَٔازَرَهُۥ فَٱسْتَغْلَظَ فَٱسْتَوَىٰ عَلَىٰ سُوقِهِۦ يُعْجِبُ ٱلزُّرَّاعَ لِيَغِيظَ بِهِمُ ٱلْكُفَّارَ ۗ وَعَدَ ٱللَّهُ ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ وَعَمِلُوا۟ ٱلصَّـٰلِحَـٰتِ مِنْهُم مَّغْفِرَةًۭ وَأَجْرًا عَظِيمًۢا ٢٩
Muḥammad is the Messenger of Allah. And those with him are firm with the disbelievers and compassionate with one another. You see them bowing and prostrating ˹in prayer˺, seeking Allah’s bounty and pleasure. The sign ˹of brightness can be seen˺ on their faces from the trace of prostrating ˹in prayer˺. This is their description in the Torah. And their parable in the Gospel is that of a seed that sprouts its ˹tiny˺ branches, making it strong. Then it becomes thick, standing firmly on its stem, to the delight of the planters—in this way Allah makes the believers a source of dismay for the disbelievers. To those of them who believe and do good, Allah has promised forgiveness and a great reward. 48:29
Are all Non-Believers same?
Are all non-believers same for all intent and purposes or is there a need for some reasonable classification amongst non-believer communities.
From historical and socio-political analysis, it becomes quite evident that a large majority of castes and communities are disbelievers not by deliberate and informed choice but because of some historical accident (eg accidental Hindus of India), ignorance, historic oppression and disabilities, etc (eg Bahujan classes of India).
Only a few elite and dominant castes are disbelievers by deliberate choice and who possess all malicious intent against truth, justice, righteousness, human equality and equity.
Notable examples of the former could be desert Arab bedouins during Prophets times and Bahujan, SC, ST, OBC classes of today’s India and notable examples of the latter could be elite Jews and Brahmanical classes of West and India.
Treating them all as belonging to the same class in all matters of faith and worldly affairs would not only be arbitrary, unjust and against equitable Islamic injunctions (oppressor and oppressed can’t be treated as same) but also against worldly interests of Muslims especially in democratic polities.
When many of the oppressed communities are themselves struggling for freedom against their oppressor class (eg Bahujan vs Brahmanical politics in India), Muslims must not further alienate them if they cannot help or support them. One must not forget that Islam is the religion of the oppressed and helping the weak and the oppressed and aligning and empathising with them is the Prophetic command.
وَمَا لَكُمْ لَا تُقَـٰتِلُونَ فِى سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ وَٱلْمُسْتَضْعَفِينَ مِنَ ٱلرِّجَالِ وَٱلنِّسَآءِ وَٱلْوِلْدَٰنِ ٱلَّذِينَ يَقُولُونَ رَبَّنَآ أَخْرِجْنَا مِنْ هَـٰذِهِ ٱلْقَرْيَةِ ٱلظَّالِمِ أَهْلُهَا وَٱجْعَل لَّنَا مِن لَّدُنكَ وَلِيًّۭا وَٱجْعَل لَّنَا مِن لَّدُنكَ نَصِيرًا ٧٥
And what is it with you? You do not struggle in the cause of Allah and for oppressed men, women, and children who cry out, “Our Lord! Deliver us from this land of oppressors! Appoint for us a saviour; appoint for us a helper—all by Your grace.” 4:75
Al-Bara’ bin ‘Azib said: “The Messenger of Allah commanded us to do seven things: He commanded us to attend funerals, visit the sick, to reply (say: Yarhamuk Allah [may Allah have mercy on you]) to one who sneezes, to accept invitations, to support the oppressed, to fulfill oaths (when adjured by another) and to return greetings of Salaam.” Sunan an-Nasa’i 3778
Jabir reported the Prophet as saying, “If anyone possesses three characteristics God will give him an easy death and bring him into His paradise: gentleness towards the weak, affection towards parents, and kindness to slaves.” Tirmidhi transmitted it, saying this is a gharib tradition. Mishkat al-Masabih 3364
From historical experience too, it is quite evident that generally communities that belong to the same class as Prophets did or have undergone the same level of sufferings, humiliations, and oppression as Prophets did are far more inclined towards Islamic principles and message compared to elite classes. For instance during Prophet’s times, poor people of Mecca accepted Islam more readily than the elite class.
In worldly affairs too, oppressed classes have been more willing to join hands with Muslims. For instance, the Bahujan classes of India have been far more willing than Brahmanical classes to seek Muslim allies and votes in electoral politics and contests.
Sincere efforts therefore must be made to gift the light of Imaan to at least some informed, learned, influential and common members of such oppressed, marginalised and backward classes convincing them about the need, scope and desirability of greater unity and letting them become the torchbearers of change and propagator of belief at least within their respective communities.
Some Muslims complain that many of the SCs, STs and OBCs give vote to Brahmanical parties “against Muslims” or “to teach Muslims a lesson” or “side with them during communal riots”. First, of all there is no credible data to back this absurd claim. We cannot judge whole communities through the behaviour if a few of them. Otherwise, there are enough examples of traitors in every community who love the enemy camps. The Muslim ruler of Bengal was betrayed by his own Muslim relative Mir Jafar who sided with the British. Should we then say that Nawab’s relatives or Muslims in Bengal supported the British?
Muslims and others must therefore overcome such petty excuses and political bickerings if they really want to stop tyranny and oppression and promote welfare and wellbeing of all.
Conclusion
In conclusion, general characteristics of “kafir” or “disbeliever” in Islam include-
- Denial of the oneness of God: A kafir is someone who denies the existence of Allah, or who believes in other gods or idols.
- Rejection of Islamic scripture: A kafir is someone who rejects or disbelieves in the Qur’an, the central holy text of Islam, or who denies the authenticity of the Hadith, the sayings and actions of the Prophet Muhammad.
- Resistance to Islamic teachings: A kafir is someone who refuses to accept the teachings and principles of Islam, including the Five Pillars of Islam, which include the declaration of faith (Shahada), prayers (Salah), fasting (Sawm), mandatory charity (Zakat), and pilgrimage to Mecca (Hajj).
- Hostility towards Muslims: A kafir is someone who exhibits hostility or animosity towards Muslims, or who engages in actions or speech that are considered insulting or derogatory towards Islam or its followers.
- Exploits People: He leads people astray by promoting superstitions in society or through other manipulative tactics.
- Sinner, Hypocrites and Boastful: Kafir is also a sinner, boastful, arrogant and hypocrite. He falsely elevates himself in the eyes of people using various deceitful means.
- Generally Prosperous: Kafirs are generally prosperous, stingy and extremely attached to his wealth and this mortal world.
- Failure to repent or seek forgiveness: A kafir is someone who persists in their disbelief and refuses to repent or seek forgiveness for their rejection of Islam.
It’s important to note that while these characteristics may be associated with the term “kafir” or “disbeliever” in Islam, they do not necessarily apply to all non-Muslims or to individuals who may have different beliefs or interpretations of religious teachings.
It’s also important to remember that Islam teaches respect and tolerance for people of different faiths and backgrounds.
As for those who deny Our signs, We will gradually draw them to destruction in ways they cannot comprehend. I ˹only˺ delay their end for a while, but My planning is flawless. Have they not ever given it a thought? Their fellow man is not insane. He is only sent with a clear warning.
Holy Quran 7:182-184
Also Read| Characteristics of a Believer: Surah Mominoon, Holy Quran
