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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An '''infidel''' (literally "one without faith") is a 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 or at least to the people not "of the book", which includes the holy books of Jews, Christians and 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.
 
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.  
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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 hostilities, each of the combatant forces believed that [[God]] was on their side and their sworn enemies were [[infidels]], worthy of being killed for that reason.  
  
 
==Etymology==
 
==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-[[Muslim]]s, but virtually synonymous with "Christian"; hence, from a Muslim or Jewish point of view, "a Christian."
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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-[[Muslim]]s, but often synonymous with "Christian"; hence, from a Muslim or Jewish point of view, "a Christian."
  
 
==In Christianity==
 
==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 [[Heresy|heretic]], in contrast, is an individual who believes in the divinity of Jesus, but also knowingly holds beliefs that contradict Catholic [[dogma]], while a [[Schism (religion)|schismatic]] is an individual who does not hold beliefs contrary to Catholic dogma, but denies the [[authority]] of the Catholic Church.
 
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 [[Heresy|heretic]], in contrast, is an individual who believes in the divinity of Jesus, but also knowingly holds beliefs that contradict Catholic [[dogma]], while a [[Schism (religion)|schismatic]] is an individual who does not hold beliefs contrary to Catholic dogma, but denies the [[authority]] of the Catholic Church.
  
In the Catholic Church, the term infidel applies not only to all who are unaware of the true God and have not pledged their fidelity, such as various kinds of pagans, but also to those who do not recognize Jesus Christ, such as [[Jews]] and [[Muhammadans]]. The term may also be used of [[catechumens]] (in early ages called Christians); since the Church considers that only through baptism that one can enter into the ranks of the faithful. However, those who have been baptized but do not belong to the Catholic Church, such as [[heretics]], [[schismatics]], and those of various [[confessions]] are not called infidels, but non-Catholics.
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In the Catholic Church, the term infidel applies not only to all who are unaware of the true God and have not pledged their fidelity, such as various kinds of pagans, but also to those who do not recognize Jesus as the messiah or Christ, such as [[Jews]] and [[Muhammadans]]. The term may also be used of [[catechumens]] (in early ages called Christians); since the Church considers that only through baptism can one enter into the ranks of the faithful. However, those who have been baptized but do not belong to the Catholic Church, such as [[heretics]], [[schismatics]], and those of various [[confessions]] are not called infidels, but non-Catholics.
  
As late as the turn of the twentieth century, Catholic publications held that "No act of an infidel can have any value from the point of view of the spiritual society to which he does not belong."<ref>[http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/08002b.htm Infidels in the Catholic Encyclopeida] ''www.newadvent.org''. Retrieved December 21, 2007.</ref>
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As late as the turn of the twentieth century, Catholic publications held that "No act of an infidel can have any value from the point of view of the spiritual society to which he does not belong." <ref>[http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/08002b.htm Infidels in the Catholic Encyclopeida] ''www.newadvent.org''. Retrieved December 21, 2007.</ref>
  
 
==In Islam==
 
==In Islam==
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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)
 
: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)
  
Some scholars say [[People of the Book]] &mdash; that is to say [[Christian]]s, [[Jew]]s (including [[Samaritan]]s), and "[[Sabians]]" &mdash; are  ''kafir'' (disbelievers) 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 cover)/''Walaqad Kaffara'' (Surely they have become kafirs).
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Some radical scholars say [[People of the Book]] &mdash; that is to say [[Christian]]s, [[Jew]]s (including [[Samaritan]]s), and "[[Sabians]]" &mdash; are  ''kafir'' (disbelievers) 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 cover)/''Walaqad Kaffara'' (Surely they have become kafirs).
  
 
However, this is generally the more extreme view, and while Muslims do view the People of the Book as having altered their religions, some reserve the term "kafir" for [[polytheists]], [[atheists]], and those who consciously live in spite of God. Hence, the People of the Book, as worshipers of God are not kafir in the sense it is often used.
 
However, this is generally the more extreme view, and while Muslims do view the People of the Book as having altered their religions, some reserve the term "kafir" for [[polytheists]], [[atheists]], and those who consciously live in spite of God. Hence, the People of the Book, as worshipers of God are not kafir in the sense it is often used.
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The [[Crusades]] of Medieval times were an attempt to take back what the Christians considered to be their holy land from the [[Muslims]]. “Taking the Cross” meant for European noblemen to take arms for the [[Pope]] against the infidel Muslims of Arabia, also known as the [[Saracen]]s. To take the cross meant a complete pardon for past [[sins]] and favor gained in the eyes of the church.
 
The [[Crusades]] of Medieval times were an attempt to take back what the Christians considered to be their holy land from the [[Muslims]]. “Taking the Cross” meant for European noblemen to take arms for the [[Pope]] against the infidel Muslims of Arabia, also known as the [[Saracen]]s. To take the cross meant a complete pardon for past [[sins]] and favor gained in the eyes of the church.
  
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, 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.
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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, 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 and block pilgrimages.
  
 
===Crusading fervor and the Jews===
 
===Crusading fervor and the Jews===
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==References==
 
==References==
*Ali, Ayaan Hirsi. ''Infidel'', Free Press, 2007. ISBN 978-0743289689
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* 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
+
* 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
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* 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  
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* Shea, Robert. ''The Saracen: Land of the Infidel'', Ballantine Books, 1989. ISBN 978-0345335883  
*Wheatcroft, Andrew. ''Infidels'', Random House, 2004. B000FC1R4G
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* Wheatcroft, Andrew. ''Infidels'', Random House, 2004. B000FC1R4G
  
 
==External links==
 
==External links==
*[http://www.m-w.com/dictionary/infidel Definition of "infidel"] by the [[Merriam-Webster]] dictionary
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All Retrieved December 21, 2007 at ''www.m-w.com'', the [[Merriam-Webster]] dictionary.
*[http://www.m-w.com/dictionary/unbeliever Definition of "unbeliever"] by the [[Merriam-Webster]] dictionary
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*[http://www.m-w.com/dictionary/infidel Definition of "infidel"]  
*[http://www.m-w.com/dictionary/kafir Definition of "kafir"] by the [[Merriam-Webster]] dictionary
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*[http://www.m-w.com/dictionary/unbeliever Definition of "unbeliever"]
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*[http://www.m-w.com/dictionary/kafir Definition of "kafir"]  
  
 
[[Category:philosophy and religion]]
 
[[Category:philosophy and religion]]
 
{{Credit|152172035}}
 
{{Credit|152172035}}

Revision as of 19:12, 21 December 2007


An infidel (literally "one without faith") is a 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 or at least to the people not "of the book", which includes the holy books of Jews, Christians and 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 hostilities, each of the combatant 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 often 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 the Catholic Church, the term infidel applies not only to all who are unaware of the true God and have not pledged their fidelity, such as various kinds of pagans, but also to those who do not recognize Jesus as the messiah or Christ, such as Jews and Muhammadans. The term may also be used of catechumens (in early ages called Christians); since the Church considers that only through baptism can one enter into the ranks of the faithful. However, those who have been baptized but do not belong to the Catholic Church, such as heretics, schismatics, and those of various confessions are not called infidels, but non-Catholics.

As late as the turn of the twentieth century, Catholic publications held that "No act of an infidel can have any value from the point of view of the spiritual society to which he does not belong." [1]

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 . . . (Sura 8:58)
  • Seek out your enemies relentlessly . . . . (Sura 2:216)
  • You shall not plead for traitors . . . (Sura 8:58)
  • Allah does not love the treacherous or the sinful... (Sura 4:107)
  • Kill the pagans wherever you may find them. (Sura 8:58)

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)

Some radical scholars say People of the Book — that is to say Christians, Jews (including Samaritans), and "Sabians" — are kafir (disbelievers) 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 cover)/Walaqad Kaffara (Surely they have become kafirs).

However, this is generally the more extreme view, and while Muslims do view the People of the Book as having altered their religions, some reserve the term "kafir" for polytheists, atheists, and those who consciously live in spite of God. Hence, the People of the Book, as worshipers of God are not kafir in the sense it is often used.

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 [kafir] 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 [kafir], and uttering words for which there is proof that uttering them is [kafir]. Doing any action for which there is proof that it is [kafir] is also [kafir].

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. “Taking the Cross” meant for European noblemen to take arms for the Pope against the infidel Muslims of Arabia, also known as the Saracens. To take the cross meant a complete pardon for past sins and favor gained in the eyes of the church.

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, 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 and block pilgrimages.

Crusading fervor and the Jews

Expeditions from the West to recover Jerusalem and the Holy Sepulcher from the control of the infidel was the source of religious intoleration and persecution in Europe as well. The undisciplined mobs accompanying the first three Crusades attacked the Jews in Germany, France, and England, and put many of them to death, leaving behind for centuries strong feelings of ill will on both sides. The social position of the Jews in western Europe was distinctly worsened by the Crusades, and legal restrictions became frequent during and after them. They prepared the way for the anti-Jewish legislation of Innocent III, and formed the turning-point in the medieval history of the Jews. When the crusaders at last stormed Jerusalem, July 15, 1099, they drove all the Jews into one of the synagogues and there burned them alive.

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

All Retrieved December 21, 2007 at www.m-w.com, the Merriam-Webster dictionary.

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  1. Infidels in the Catholic Encyclopeida www.newadvent.org. Retrieved December 21, 2007.