Infidel

[NewBeginning]

Salaam,


I was wondering about this, but kept forgetting to ask or bring it up. I posted this question on the Non-Muslim board because if there was one thing that is so difficult to understand, it's the use of the word infidel. The first time I heard it was from OBL. I'm sure I'm not the only one in that position.


so..........


Can someone give an exact definition of the term with Suras for an explanation? I think this would benefit many.


Thank you!

[laian]

Assalamu alaikum shaunee,


I don't think the term infidel comes from the Qur'an or the sunnah. It is an english word. I am happy to give the definition and root of this english word to help you understand:


the word infidel comes from the word "fidelity," which means to be faithful and to fulfill ones obligations.


From fidelity you can get the opposite word, "infidelity." The prefix "in" negates the word that follows it. So "infidelity" means the opposite of "fidelity," or in otherwords it means to be unfaithful and neglect ones obligations. in the English language the term "fidelity" can be applied in any situation, but the term "infidelity" (being unfaithful) is almost always used in the context of marriage, as in being unfaithful to one's spouse, or having illegal sex outside of marriage.


The term "infidel" means someone who is unfaithful, but unlike the term "infidelity," "infidel" is usually used to refer to someone who does not believe in a certain faith, such as Christianity or Islam. So Christians technically could call Muslims infidels, because Muslims do not believe in Christianity.


However, using the term "infidel" is not very common, and it means basically the same thing as unbeliever. The fact that the term infidel was used rather than unbeliever is significant because of the context of the other related words that I have just explained. It becomes more insulting to call someone an infidel than to call them an unbeliever.


I know that explanation was lengthy, so let me recap in case there is any confusion.


FIDELITY = to be faithful and fulfill one's obligations


INFIDELITY = to be unfaithful and neglect one's obligations (almost always refers to being unfaithful to one's spouse, or illegal sex outside of marriage)


INFIDEL = a person who is unfaithful (usually refers to someone who does not believe in a particular faith or religion)


Hope that clears up how the word is used and why it causes such a reaction.

[NewBeginning]

Thank you so much. Just the fact that this word is only known in English terms only would most definately clear things up.


So, would this be parallel to the word Kafir maybe?


Salaam.

[Muslimah]

Bismillah


as salam alykom


Yes shaunee it equals the word kafir which is derived from yakfur be which means to deny something. U may even say yakfur beneema which means to deny the bounty. So yakfur bellah is to deny the existence of Allah which is to be an infidel of course.