Kufr

Kufr is an Arabic term whose root means covering or concealing. In Islamic theology, it denotes disbelief or ingratitude toward God, and it is used to describe rejection of divine revelation or prophetic messages, as well as atheistic or polytheistic belief. The term appears in the Qur’an and Hadith as an opposite of iman (faith), and it is employed to discuss how belief is held and expressed.

Classically, kufr covers various forms of rejection of truth after knowledge is attained. This can include denying essential articles of faith, mocking or ridiculing sacred truths, or deliberately hiding the truth. In Islamic jurisprudence, kufr is treated as a legal-religious category that can affect a person’s status as Muslim. Some forms are described as major kufr (which may remove a person from Islam), while other forms may be categorized as sins rather than outright disbelief; the boundaries and evidentiary requirements have been debated among scholars. repentance and affirmation of faith can often restore a person’s Muslim status.

Shirk, the attribution of partners to God, is frequently discussed as a form of kufr, though it is typically treated as a distinct category with its own theological implications. Nifaq (hypocrisy) is related but regarded as a separate category describing outwardly Muslim behavior with inward disbelief.

In modern usage, kufr can appear in religious, legal, and political discourse and is sometimes employed in sensitive or polemical contexts. Scholars emphasize precise, careful use of the term, considering belief, intention, and evidence rather than labeling without rigorous criteria.