abu_rashid wrote on Nov 13
th, 2008 at 10:06pm:
Gaybriel,
Quote:I do agree about infidel and kuffar
Infidel is not an Islamic word at all, and I doubt you'd find too many Muslims using it. It's actually a Christian word, but since Christianity became largely abandoned during the secularisation, the churches ceased using it, because it didn't help to bring back the 'lost sheep of the flock'.
As for kafir, it simply means 'one who covers over', in this case, one who covers over the truth about their Creator. It's not a nasty word and should not be taken offensively, other than the fact that it denotes denial of the one who created you.
it may not be an islamic word- but it has been contextualised to the point where it is now heavily associated with islam and terrorism (more specifically)
as to kuffar- I understand the word, I have been lucky enough to hear an analysis of it at the Annual Islamic Council Conference (right name?) in Melbourne.
my point is- that the perception of this word, is that it is offensive. so if you know someone takes offense to it, why not just use something else when talking to that person.
similarly if soren knows that mohammedan is offensive to muslims- then why use it in the presence of muslims?
Forum
Pages: 
