Difference between revisions of "Infidel" - New World Encyclopedia

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An '''infidel''' (literally "one without faith") is an derogatory [[English language|English]] word meaning "one who rejects the central tenets of a [[religion]], or has no religious beliefs," especially in reference to the doctrines of [[Christianity]] or [[Islam]]. Historically, the term has been used by Christians and Muslims to describe those outside their religious group. When used in an Islamic sense it serves as a translation of the [[Arabic]] word ''[[kafir]]'' (literally "one who denies the blessings of God") referring to all non-Muslims.
  
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The term infidel comes from the Latin word infidelis, which means "unbelieving" or "unfaithful." During the [[Middle Ages]] (c. 450–c. 1500 C.E.), the [[Catholic Church]] used the term to describe [[Muslims]]. On occasion, Jews were also included in this category. As the [[Moors]] (Muslims of North Africa) moved into [[Spain]] in the early eighth century and the [[Seljuq Turks]] conquered much of [[Asia Minor]] (present-day Turkey) during the eleventh century, Christians became increasingly fearful of Muslim influence.
  
{{wiktionary|Infidel}}
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When Muslims occupied lands that had formerly been ruled by Christians, the Muslims forbade Christians from making [[pilgrimages]] to the [[Holy Land]] in the [[Middle East]] (present-day Palestine). In response, western [[Europeans]] took up arms in eight religious and military expeditions known as the [[Crusades]], which began in 1095 and lasted for nearly 200 years. During the ensuing hostlities, each of the combattant forces believed that [[God]] was on their side and their sworn enemies were [[infidels]], worthy of being killed for that reason.  
An '''infidel''' (literally "one without faith") is an offensive [[English language|English]] word meaning "one who doubts or rejects central tenets of a [[religion]], or has no religious beliefs," especially in reference to [[Christianity]] or [[Islam]]. "'Infidel' has been used by Christians and Muslims to name the people outside their religious group, the ones who do not have faith (fides in Latin)." When used in an Islamic sense it serves as a translation of the [[Arabic]] word ''[[kafir]]'' (literally "one who denies the blessings of God") referring to all non-Muslims.
 
 
 
The term infidel comes from the Latin word infidelis, which means "unbelieving" or "unfaithful." During the [[Middle Ages]] (A.D. c. 450–c. 1500), the [[Catholic Church]] used the term to describe [[Muslims]] (followers of Islam, the religion founded by the prophet [[Muhammad]]; c. A.D. 570–632). As the [[Moors]] (Muslims of North Africa) moved into [[Spain]] in the early eighth century and the [[Seljuq Turks]] conquered much of [[Asia Minor]] (present-day Turkey) during the eleventh century, Christians became increasingly fearful of Muslim influence.
 
 
 
When Muslims occupied lands that had formerly been ruled by Christians, the Muslims forbade Christians from making [[pilgrimages]] to the [[Holy Land]] in the [[Middle East]] (present-day Palestine). In response, western [[Europeans]] took up arms in eight religious and military expeditions known as the [[Crusades]], which began in 1095 and lasted for nearly 200 years. During the ensuing hostlities, each of the combattant forces believed that [[God]] was on their side and their sworn enemies were [[infidels]], worthy of being killed for that reason.  
 
  
 
==Etymology==
 
==Etymology==
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''Kafir'' ([[Arabic language|Arabic]]: {{lang|ar| كافر }} ''{{ArabDIN|kāfir}}''; plural {{lang|ar|  كفّار }} ''{{ArabDIN|kuffār}}'') is an Arabic word meaning an unbeliever, a person who hides, denies, or covers the truth. In cultural terms, it is a derogatory term used to describe an unbeliever, non-Muslims, a Muslim of a differing sect, or an [[Apostasy in Islam|apostate]] from Islam. It is usually translated into [[English language|English]] as "infidel" or "unbeliever."
 
''Kafir'' ([[Arabic language|Arabic]]: {{lang|ar| كافر }} ''{{ArabDIN|kāfir}}''; plural {{lang|ar|  كفّار }} ''{{ArabDIN|kuffār}}'') is an Arabic word meaning an unbeliever, a person who hides, denies, or covers the truth. In cultural terms, it is a derogatory term used to describe an unbeliever, non-Muslims, a Muslim of a differing sect, or an [[Apostasy in Islam|apostate]] from Islam. It is usually translated into [[English language|English]] as "infidel" or "unbeliever."
  
Some distinguish between Kafir and non-Muslims, as Kafir is used by the Koran for people, who were guilty of rejection or non-acceptance of the truth, even after it has become fully apparent to them, while "non-Muslim" is primarily a term implying a person, who does not ascribe to the Islamic faith, such has been historically used to identify [[Hindus]], [[Buddhists]], [[Zoroastrians]], and followers of non-denominational religions or local, pagan traditions.
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The Qur'an itself teaches:
  
According to a consensus of Islamic scholars [[People of the Book]] — that is to say [[Christian]]s and [[Jew]]s, (including [[Samaritan]]s) and "[[Sabians]]" — are  ''kafir'' (infidels) because even if they are considered recipients of divine revelation from God, the Koran literally stamps them with the term ''Al-Ladheena Kafaru'' (those who have become Kafir) / ''Walaqad Kaffara'' (Surely they have become kafirs).  
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*The unbelievers are your sworn enemies . . .
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*Seek out your enemies relentlessly . . . .
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*You shall not plead for traitors . . .
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*Allah does not love the treacherous or the sinful...
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*Kill the pagans wherever you may find them."
  
[[Ibn Taymiyah]] says:
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The prophet Muhammad reportedly said: "No Muslim should be killed for killing a Kafir [infidel]." (Hadith vol. 9:50)
:Not believing in God and His Messenger, whether that is accompanied by denial or it is not accompanied by denial but rather doubt, or turning away from faith out of jealousy or arrogance, or because one is following whims and desires that prevent one from following the message. So kufr is the attribute of everyone who rejects something that God has commanded us to believe in, after news of that has reached him, whether he rejects it in his heart without uttering it, or he speaks those words of rejection without believing it in his heart, or he does both; or he does an action which is described in the texts as putting one beyond the pale of faith.
 
  
[[Ibn Hazam]] said in his book ''al-Fasl'':
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:And We made known this decree to him, that the last remnants of those [sinners] should be cut off by the morning. (Sura 15:66)
:Rejecting something for which there is sound proof that there can be no faith without believing in it is kufr, and uttering words for which there is proof that uttering them is kufr. Doing any action for which there is proof that it is kufr is also kufr.
 
  
===Quotes from the Koran===
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:O Messenger! Rouse the Believers among you to the fight. If there are twenty amongst you, patient and persevering, they will vanquish two hundred: if a hundred, they will vanquish two thousand of the Unbelievers: for these are people without understanding. (Sura 8:65)
The Koran teaches: The unbelievers are your sworn enemies . . . Seek out your enemies relentlessly . . . . You shall not plead for traitors . . . Allah does not love the treacherous or the sinful...kill the pagans wherever you may find them.  
 
  
Mohammed said:
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:Remember your Lord inspired the angels with the message: "I am with you: give firmness to the Believers: I will instill terror into the hearts of the Unbelievers: you smite them above their necks and smite all their finger-tips off them. (Sura 8:12}
  
:No Muslim should be killed for killing a Kafir [infidel].(Hadith vol. 9:50)  
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:The infidels should not think that they can get away from us. Prepare against them whatever arms and weaponry you can muster so that you may terrorize them. (Sura 8:59-60)
  
:And We made known this decree to him, that the last remnants of those [sinners] should be cut off by the morning. (Sura 15:66)
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===Who is kafir?===
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Some distinguish between ''kafir'' and non-Muslims, as ''kafir'' is used by the Koran for people who were guilty of rejection or non-acceptance of the truth, even after it has become fully apparent to them, while "non-Muslim" is primarily a term implying a person, who does not ascribe to the Islamic faith, such has been historically used to identify [[Hindus]], [[Buddhists]], [[Zoroastrians]], and followers of non-denominational religions or local, pagan traditions.  
  
:O Messenger! Rouse the Believers among you to the fight. If there are twenty amongst you, patient and persevering, they will vanquish two hundred: if a hundred, they will vanquish two thousand of the Unbelievers: for these are people without understanding. (Sura 8:65)
+
According to a consensus of Islamic scholars [[People of the Book]]— that is to say [[Christian]]s and [[Jew]]s, (including [[Samaritan]]s) and "[[Sabians]]"— are  ''kafir'' (infidels) because, even if they are considered recipients of divine revelation from God, the Qur'an literally stamps them with the term ''Al-Ladheena Kafaru'' (those who have become Kafir) and  ''Walaqad Kaffara'' (Surely they have become kafirs).
  
:Remember your Lord inspired the angels with the message: "I am with you: give firmness to the Believers: I will instill terror into the hearts of the Unbelievers: you smite them above their necks and smite all their finger-tips off them. (Sura 8:12}
+
[[Ibn Taymiyah]] says: "Not believing in God and His Messenger, whether that is accompanied by denial or it is not accompanied by denial but rather doubt, or turning away from faith out of jealousy or arrogance, or because one is following whims and desires that prevent one from following the message. So ''kufr'' is the attribute of everyone who rejects something that God has commanded us to believe in, after news of that has reached him, whether he rejects it in his heart without uttering it, or he speaks those words of rejection without believing it in his heart, or he does both; or he does an action which is described in the texts as putting one beyond the pale of faith."
  
:The infidels should not think that they can get away from us. Prepare against them whatever arms and weaponry you can muster so that you may terrorize them. (Sura 8:59-60)
+
[[Ibn Hazam]] said in his book ''al-Fasl'':
 +
:Rejecting something for which there is sound proof that there can be no faith without believing in it is ''kufr'', and uttering words for which there is proof that uttering them is ''kufr''. Doing any action for which there is proof that it is ''kufr'' is also ''kufr''.
  
 
==The Crusades==
 
==The Crusades==
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The Crusades occurred between the years of 1096 and 1291. There were eight crusades in all. The first crusade was called for by [[Pope Urban II]]. Prior to the first crusade, the [[Byzantine Empire]] ([[Orthodox Christians]]) and their Islamic neighbors, the Saracens, had a relatively stable relationship with occasional small skirmishes. While the Saracens were in control of the holy city of Jerusalem, Christians were allowed to make [[pilgrimages]] there. However the coming of a new, more warlike and fearsome group of Muslims, the [[Seljuk Turks]], took over control of Jerusalem and began to persecute the Christians in the city.
 
The Crusades occurred between the years of 1096 and 1291. There were eight crusades in all. The first crusade was called for by [[Pope Urban II]]. Prior to the first crusade, the [[Byzantine Empire]] ([[Orthodox Christians]]) and their Islamic neighbors, the Saracens, had a relatively stable relationship with occasional small skirmishes. While the Saracens were in control of the holy city of Jerusalem, Christians were allowed to make [[pilgrimages]] there. However the coming of a new, more warlike and fearsome group of Muslims, the [[Seljuk Turks]], took over control of Jerusalem and began to persecute the Christians in the city.
 
 
  
 
==References==
 
==References==

Revision as of 20:49, 17 December 2007

An infidel (literally "one without faith") is an derogatory English word meaning "one who rejects the central tenets of a religion, or has no religious beliefs," especially in reference to the doctrines of Christianity or Islam. Historically, the term has been used by Christians and Muslims to describe those outside their religious group. When used in an Islamic sense it serves as a translation of the Arabic word kafir (literally "one who denies the blessings of God") referring to all non-Muslims.

The term infidel comes from the Latin word infidelis, which means "unbelieving" or "unfaithful." During the Middle Ages (c. 450–c. 1500 C.E.), the Catholic Church used the term to describe Muslims. On occasion, Jews were also included in this category. As the Moors (Muslims of North Africa) moved into Spain in the early eighth century and the Seljuq Turks conquered much of Asia Minor (present-day Turkey) during the eleventh century, Christians became increasingly fearful of Muslim influence.

When Muslims occupied lands that had formerly been ruled by Christians, the Muslims forbade Christians from making pilgrimages to the Holy Land in the Middle East (present-day Palestine). In response, western Europeans took up arms in eight religious and military expeditions known as the Crusades, which began in 1095 and lasted for nearly 200 years. During the ensuing hostlities, each of the combattant forces believed that God was on their side and their sworn enemies were infidels, worthy of being killed for that reason.

Etymology

First used in Middle English circa 1460 (adjective, noun), from the Middle French infidèle, and from Latin infidelis "unfaithful," later "unbelieving," In the fifteenth century, meaning "a non-Christian" (especially a Saracen); later "one who does not believe in religion" (1526). Also used to translate Arabic kafir, from a root meaning "to disbelieve, to deny," strictly referring to all non-Muslims, but virtually synonymous with "Christian"; hence, from a Muslim or Jewish point of view, "a Christian."

In Christianity

In Roman Catholic Christianity, the term "infidel" is an ecclesiastical term referring to one who does not believe in the divinity of Jesus, or one who has not been baptized. A heretic, in contrast, is an individual who believes in the divinity of Jesus, but also knowingly holds beliefs that contradict Catholic dogma, while a schismatic is an individual who does not hold beliefs contrary to Catholic dogma, but denies the authority of the Catholic Church.

In Islam

Kafir (Arabic: كافر kāfir; plural كفّار kuffār) is an Arabic word meaning an unbeliever, a person who hides, denies, or covers the truth. In cultural terms, it is a derogatory term used to describe an unbeliever, non-Muslims, a Muslim of a differing sect, or an apostate from Islam. It is usually translated into English as "infidel" or "unbeliever."

The Qur'an itself teaches:

  • The unbelievers are your sworn enemies . . .
  • Seek out your enemies relentlessly . . . .
  • You shall not plead for traitors . . .
  • Allah does not love the treacherous or the sinful...
  • Kill the pagans wherever you may find them."

The prophet Muhammad reportedly said: "No Muslim should be killed for killing a Kafir [infidel]." (Hadith vol. 9:50)

And We made known this decree to him, that the last remnants of those [sinners] should be cut off by the morning. (Sura 15:66)
O Messenger! Rouse the Believers among you to the fight. If there are twenty amongst you, patient and persevering, they will vanquish two hundred: if a hundred, they will vanquish two thousand of the Unbelievers: for these are people without understanding. (Sura 8:65)
Remember your Lord inspired the angels with the message: "I am with you: give firmness to the Believers: I will instill terror into the hearts of the Unbelievers: you smite them above their necks and smite all their finger-tips off them. (Sura 8:12}
The infidels should not think that they can get away from us. Prepare against them whatever arms and weaponry you can muster so that you may terrorize them. (Sura 8:59-60)

Who is kafir?

Some distinguish between kafir and non-Muslims, as kafir is used by the Koran for people who were guilty of rejection or non-acceptance of the truth, even after it has become fully apparent to them, while "non-Muslim" is primarily a term implying a person, who does not ascribe to the Islamic faith, such has been historically used to identify Hindus, Buddhists, Zoroastrians, and followers of non-denominational religions or local, pagan traditions.

According to a consensus of Islamic scholars People of the Book— that is to say Christians and Jews, (including Samaritans) and "Sabians"— are kafir (infidels) because, even if they are considered recipients of divine revelation from God, the Qur'an literally stamps them with the term Al-Ladheena Kafaru (those who have become Kafir) and Walaqad Kaffara (Surely they have become kafirs).

Ibn Taymiyah says: "Not believing in God and His Messenger, whether that is accompanied by denial or it is not accompanied by denial but rather doubt, or turning away from faith out of jealousy or arrogance, or because one is following whims and desires that prevent one from following the message. So kufr is the attribute of everyone who rejects something that God has commanded us to believe in, after news of that has reached him, whether he rejects it in his heart without uttering it, or he speaks those words of rejection without believing it in his heart, or he does both; or he does an action which is described in the texts as putting one beyond the pale of faith."

Ibn Hazam said in his book al-Fasl:

Rejecting something for which there is sound proof that there can be no faith without believing in it is kufr, and uttering words for which there is proof that uttering them is kufr. Doing any action for which there is proof that it is kufr is also kufr.

The Crusades

The Crusades of Medieval times were an attempt to take back what the Christians considered to be their holy land from the Muslims. The most important of these lands was Jerusalem. “Taking the Cross” meant for European noblemen to take arms for the Pope against the Infidel of Arabia, also known as the Saracen. To take the cross meant a complete pardon for past sins and favor gained in the eyes of the church. Although the crusades were for some a religious endeavor, for others it was a political move.

The Crusades occurred between the years of 1096 and 1291. There were eight crusades in all. The first crusade was called for by Pope Urban II. Prior to the first crusade, the Byzantine Empire (Orthodox Christians) and their Islamic neighbors, the Saracens, had a relatively stable relationship with occasional small skirmishes. While the Saracens were in control of the holy city of Jerusalem, Christians were allowed to make pilgrimages there. However the coming of a new, more warlike and fearsome group of Muslims, the Seljuk Turks, took over control of Jerusalem and began to persecute the Christians in the city.

References
ISBN links support NWE through referral fees

  • Ali, Ayaan Hirsi. Infidel, Free Press, 2007. ISBN 978-0743289689
  • Darwish, Nonie. Now They Call Me Infidel: Why I Renounced Jihad for America, Israel, and the War on Terror, Sentinel HC, 2006. ASIN B000W8SGY
  • Dekker, Ted. Infidel (The Lost Books, Book 2), Thomas Nelson, 2008. ISBN 978-1595543639
  • Shea, Robert. The Saracen: Land of the Infidel, Ballantine Books, 1989. ISBN 978-0345335883
  • Wheatcroft, Andrew. Infidels, Random House, 2004. B000FC1R4G

External links

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