چكيده فارسي :
In the Qur´ān, infidelity (i.e. the state of being an infidel or non-believer) is related in general to the term kufr, which denotes the denial of the Articles of the Islamic faith. This paper is an attempt to understand the various categories of kufr by exploring the contextual interpretation of selected passages of the Qur´ān that are related to the concept of kufr. The study shows that the concept of kufr is implied in different terms and contexts, such as shirk, ẓulm and fisq. Shirk is applied to those who ascribe partners to Allah in word or action, as in the case of idolatry. Christians, who are regarded as People of the Book, are considered shirk, unbelievers equivalent to polytheists, due to their belief in the doctrine of the Trinity. Jews, the other category of People of the Book, are also considered kāfirūn, unbelievers in the Qur´ān – despite their belief in the concept of monotheism (tawhīd) – because they are deemed to have changed the laws of God in the Torah. The term zulm is directly related to the acts of preventing people from worshipping Allah, deviating from the truth of Islam, and preaching against the teachings and messages of the Messengers of Allah. Finally, the term fisq is used in relation to those who, of their own volition, do not abide by what Allah has revealed.
كليدواژه :
The Qur’an , Kufr , Shirk , Zulm , Fisq.
