Question:
Should we avoid calling people of other religions “kafirs” and instead say “non-Muslims”? It is said that Allahﷻ directly addresses “kafirs” only in Surah 5:67 and Surah 109. Yusuf Qaradawi has written this—Is it correct?
Answer:
The Qur’an mentions non-Muslims as “kafirs” in many places. But the direct address “O disbelievers” appears only in two places.
The opinion that we should say “non-Muslims” instead of “kafirs” is reasonable. However, the reasoning that it appears only in two places is not the correct basis. Whether mentioned once or twice, if Allahﷻ says it, it is valid.
The issue is that in many non-Arabic languages, the word “kafir” has come to mean something like “evil person” or “enemy.” So, when we use that word, people may misunderstand it as an insult.
In reality, “kafir” means one who does not accept Islam. “Muslim” means one who accepts. “Kafir” means one who does not accept. It is not a swear word. However, since it can be misunderstood negatively in other languages, it is better to say “non-Muslim” in Tamil or other languages. That way, it will not be misinterpreted.
Similarly, words like “munafiq” (hypocrite) and “mushrik” (one who associates partners with Allahﷻ) may be misunderstood if used in Arabic among non-Muslims who do not know the language. So translating them appropriately avoids confusion.
This suggestion is good, and we can follow it.