How to react the next time someone points a finger at you and shout out “kafir”?

 

Editor’s Note: As racial and religious divide continues to rear its ugly head in this beautiful melting pot nation, this self-proclaimed “busy, busy, busy mother of five” has found the time to pen this truly absorbing rant to help her fellow Malaysians bridge the gap of racial/religious hatred.

An indeed good recipe for a 2026 resolution for those who easily get offended with that label.

— 0 —

KAFIR. A word that simply means non-believer – often used in Islamic context to refer to someone who does not believe in Islam.

I first heard it in Primary 2. A Muslim classmate pointed at me  and said to his friends, “Ini kafir. Bila mati, diorang masuk neraka ” (literally, “She’s an infidel. Upon death, they shall enter hell”).

At that age, I didn’t know what kafir meant. We didn’t have Google. Just innocent curiosity – and confusion .

When I asked other Muslim friends, I was told that anyone who isn’t Muslim is a kafir and when we die , we’re doomed to hell.

One even described how a kafir would have to walk across a hair-thin bridge split seven times. Scary  stuff for an eight-year-old just trying to figure out the world .

As I grew older, I began to question  – is it really necessary to label  people in such a way?

Words like kafir when used casually or as an identity stamp can be incredibly hurtful .

Source: www.zaufishan.co.uk

Ignoring is bliss

They reduce people to a label . They dismiss a person’s goodness, intentions or faith journey. They create this “us vs them” wall before real friendships can even form.

But instead of anger , I chose to seek understanding . I’ve learned that tolerance isn’t about agreeing with everything – it’s about respecting differences.

Today, I no longer feel triggered by such labels . Because I know my worth and I also know many of my Muslim friends who show love , kindness and never once made me feel less than .

Again, I do know the word can be found in the Quran. Actually, the word kafir is fine but when being said in a demeaning tone, it is very off putting.

Every religion ada kepercayaan dia sendiri (has its own set of beliefs) but you don’t impose your heaven/hell concept to others. You can educate others about your beliefs of course but do it in a positive way that would make people more comfortable with it.

This will sure not paint a good impression for someone who is interested to learn more about Islam.

 

So maybe, instead of deciding someone’s fate in the afterlife, let’s start by being kinder to each other in this life.

Because in the end, how we treat people matters more than the labels  we give them. Respect builds bridges. Labels only burn  them.

And I appreciate and love each and every one of my Muslim friends here. Kita geng sebab kita ngam channel (we click because we cherish each other) and I hope the feelings are mutual . 

 

This personal view first appears on SMK Aminuddin Baki, Kuala Lumpur alumnus Chin Jenny’s Facebook page. Incredibly, a number of Muslims have reacted positively to the author’s post:

The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of  MMKtT.

- Focus Malaysia.