Kafir

Quran corpus data

The triliteral root kāf fā rā (ك ف ر) occurs in the Quran 525 times.

Etymology

The word kāfir is the active participle of the root kāf fā rā (ك ف ر). As a pre-Islamic term it described farmers burying seeds in the ground. One of its applications in the Quran is also the same meaning as farmer (Arab. الْكُفَّارَ, l-kufāra) (57:20). Since farmers cover the seeds with soil while planting, the word kāfir implies a person who hides or covers. Ideologically, it implies a person who hides or covers the truth. Poets personify the darkness of night as kâfir, perhaps as a survival of pre-Islamic religious or mythological usage. The noun for disbelief, "blasphemy", "impiety" rather than the person who disbelieves, is kufr.

The Hebrew words "kipper" and "kofer" share the same root as "kafir" כִּפֵּר, or K-F-R. "Kipper" has many meanings including, to "deny", "atone for", "cover", "purge", "represent", or "transfer". The last two meanings involve "kofer" that mean "ransom". "Kipper" and "kofer" are mostly likely used together in the Jewish faith to indicate God's transfer of guilt from innocent parties using guilty parties as "ransom".

Samsara is for those who rejected

(39:71) Those who rejected (arab. كَفَرُوا, kafarū) will be driven to Samsara in groups. When they reach it, and its gates are opened, its guards will say to them: "Did you not receive messengers from among you, who recited to you the signs of your Lord, and warned you about meeting this day?" They said, "Yes, but the promise of retribution was destined to be upon the ingrates."

Allah is the enemy to the rejectors

(2:98) "Whoever was an enemy to Allah and His angels, and His messengers, and Gabriel, and Michael, then so Allah is the enemy to the rejectors (arab. لِلْكَافِرِينَ, lil'kāfirīna)."

Kafir - farmer

(57:20) Know that this Banal life is nothing more than games and an escapism, and boasting among you, and an increase in wealth and children. It is like plants that are supplied by an abundant rain, which appear pleasing farmers (Arab. الْكُفَّارَ, l-kufāra). But then they dry up and turn yellow, and become useless hay. In the Hereafter there is severe retribution, and forgiveness from Allah and approval. This Banal life is no more than a deceiving enjoyment.