Islam And Extremism

THE ISSUE OF KUFR AND KAFIR not described as disbelievers. Instead, neutral, human terms were used for them. For example, the Quran addresses the Prophet in these words: “O Messenger, deliver whatever has been sent down to you by your Lord. If you do not do so, you will not have conveyed His message. God will defend you from mankind.” (5:67) Look at this verse carefully. Here, the words used are “God will protect you from the people” (ya‘simuka mina’n-nas). The wording is not “God will protect you from the disbelievers” (min al-kafirin). This choice of words is significant. Throughout the Quran, many verses indicate that, as a general principle, people are addressed using neutral, inclusive human terms. The word kafir is reserved for individuals whom God Himself has explicitly designated. The term kafir is therefore a divine declaration; it is not a label to be applied by human beings at their own discretion. This distinction makes it clear that assigning such terms is not a human prerogative but a matter determined solely by God. The Difference Between an Act and the Doer The first verse of Chapter 109 of the Quran states: “Say: O disbelievers” (109:1). In this verse, al-kafirun refers specifically to the rejecting Quraysh of ancient Makkah. Through these words, after the completion