Who is a Kafir? | What The Quran Means

Greetings ladies and gentlemen: and welcome to the video. In this video, we are going to be discussing the question of who is a “kafir” as according to the Quran. The term “Kafir” is one that has unfortunately been misappropriated in many discourses. To some, the term “kafir” refers to a non-Muslim, a disbeliever, an unbeliever, an infidel, or an unfaithful person. These are some of the most known renditions of the term: so in this video, we will be going through some of the descriptions that the Quran provides for this term. Rather than looking for a definition, I believe that it is more appropriate to look for a description, as this word can embody multiple meanings, some positive and some negative. So, what is the meaning of the word “kafir” itself? The word “Kafir” comes from the roots: kaaf, faaa, raa: which make up the verb: Kafaraa: which means to cover, to cover up, or to bury something and cover it with dust: hence why a gardener or a farmer is also referred to as a “Kafir.” So, the word “Kafir” refers to someone who does the act of covering up or suppressing something from being what it is. As for what is being covered, that is not inferred in the literal rendition of the word. The word in its true essence does not bear positive or negative connotations: rather, it is the covered-up content that will determine whether the term is negative or positive. So, when someone does the act of “covering up” in an evil thing or person: they are a “kafir” in this case, however, Quranically, this would be a commendable position. For example, in chapter 2, verse 256, we are told that: whosoever does the act of kafaraa in the rebellious and oppressive regimes, and puts his faith in God, then he has taken hold of a firm handhold which has no breakage. Thus, in this example, the individual is both a “kafir” and a faithful person. They are “kafir,” because they have denied and rejected the rebellious and oppressive ruling regimes: and they are faithful because they have put their faith in God. Thus, the word “kafir” in this passage would not be meant in a derogatory sense, rather with a commendable connotation. That being said, let us dig a little deeper into understanding the Quran’s intent of the word.