Non-Muslim Muafakat Nasional activist: Nothing insensitive about the word “kafir” but …

 

NON-MUSLIMS need not feel insulted being labelled as “kafir” (infidel) for there are two types of infidels, namely “Kafir Zimmi” and “Kafir Harbi”.

Therefore, Muafakat Nasional political activist Dr Subash Chandrabose M. Arumugam Pilai contended that he does not feel emotionally disturbed nor his daily routine being affected if someone were to address him as kafir.

According to his understanding, the term “Kafir Zimmi” refers to a non-Muslim community living in a Muslim country who respect Muslims and also any rules related to the Islamic religion.

On the contrary, “Kafir Harbi” is used to describe non-Muslins residing in a Muslim country who are strongly against Muslims and any rules related to Islam.

“So, should I feel ashamed if someone call me a kafir? It boils down to the intention in the use of the term,” Subash penned in a recent Facebook post.

“For me, kafir is not a word that belittles any race because it is just a term for Muslims to identify friends and enemies in the country. Of course, Muslim would prefer to have Kafir Zimmi because this group will fight alongside them or in other words, can be trusted.

“On the other hand, Kafir Harbi will be considered as traitors for disobeying and disrespecting Islamic rules and regulations, hence becoming a threat to the Muslims themselves.

“I’ll not show any reaction when called kafir on social media because I understand what it means. But what about those who do not know the meaning?’

In this regard, Subash contended that the kafir labelling may not be appropriate in daily conversation although it can be used in the context of “religious studies or religious lectures in mosques”.

“As a non-Muslim, I feel that although the term is not meant to belittle a race, the use of the term kafir will become a stigma to the non-Muslim community,” opined the once special officer to former communications and multimedia minister Tan Sri Annuar Musa who is now a PAS member.

“In a country that has various races, nationalities and religions, the attitude of respecting each other will further strengthen the close ties.

“As infidels will always be considered enemies of Muslim nations, I think it is necessary to avoid using the term kafir in daily conversation, especially when there are still many non-Muslims who do not understand its true meaning.

“It is the responsibility of the religious, unity and information departments to provide more information about Islam by means of knowledge sharing about other religions and cultures, notably cross inter-faith knowledge.” – Focus Malaysia