What is the difference between Kafir and Munafiq

[mitzi]

Recently, I had learned a little bit about the differences between these two words - and I thought, do Muslims really use the word infidel to describe a non believer?

The information that I found, is kind of intriguing:

INFIDEL:

Dubius in fide infidelis est

An unfaithful person, an unbeliever, just is a person who does not have faith, who does not believe. To doubt is to not believe.


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KAFIR - ARABIC COGNATE KAFARA


First, the word Infidel as we will learn does not fit in the Islamic vocabulary. they are trying to translate the Muslim word "Kafir" as Infidel which is absolutely not true. Muslims use the word "Kafir" for a non-believer this means a person who is hiding the truth. Opposite to Thankful. Another word is used is "Mushrik" that is a polytheist which means associating a partner or an assistant to God. Another word is used is "Munafiq" that is a hypocrite which means people who pretend to be believers but they are not. - One who disbelieves (Kazeb) or rejects (Kaffer) in the existence of God Or "God's Laws.

Can this word be used differently????????

However, The word kāfir is the active participle of the root K-F-R "to cover", which is true - according to Genesis 6:14 and Genesis 11:3

So were have I seen this active participle root K-F-R......let me see!

teshuvah (repentance) and kapparah (acquittal) man puts a protective covering between himself and the punishment for his sin. According to Rashi, the words "kapparah" (acquittal) and "kofer" (indemnity payment) are derived from the same Hebrew root ["kfr”] and have a common signification.

**"kafara" ~ the root verb ~ means "he hid (something)" and "he covered (something)" or "He hid (something) by covering it up."** http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kafir

Quote:
The usual word for “pitch” is hemar (rnj), such as in Genesis 11:3. We are told in 6:14 that Noah was to cover the ark with a substance called “pitch.”However, in 6:14, the word “pitch” in Hebrew is the term kofer (rpuf). When compared with similar words in other ancient Semitic languages, kofer should most likely be rendered as “pitch,” or a substance that is a combination of pitch and asphalt. Many scholars agree that this word is associated with the root k-f-r (r-p-f). From this same root we have the word that is sometimes translated “to atone.” It might be possible to see a connection between the
two ideas in that the ark was covered with a waterproof covering and, in atonement, our sins are also covered.

Noah was also told to put a window in the ark. The Hebrew word used here, tsohar (rvum), is an unusual word for window. In 8:6, the usual word for "window," chalon (iukj) however, does appear. Knowing this, we are then tempted to translate rvm as roof. If we do so, we then run into the same problem, for the usual word for roof is gag (dd). It seems that the word "tsohar" is related to the word for "noon"— the time of day when the sun shines the brightest. Hence, some commentators, like Eli Munk, relate the word to "shining," or "brightness." Therefore, what the Lord apparently instructed Noah to build on top of the ark was a skylight to let brightness into the ark.
LINK

[Dan Zebiri]

In islam, kafir and munafiq have distinct meanings.

Kafir is a disbeliever in islam, one who has rejected it even though he/she has learnt about it.

A Munafiq is someone who pretends to be a muslim (or calls himself one) but does not live up to its standards or demands.

[mitzi]

In islam, kafir and munafiq have distinct meanings.

Kafir is a disbeliever in islam, one who has rejected it even though he/she has learnt about it.

A Munafiq is someone who pretends to be a muslim (or calls himself one) but does not live up to its standards or demands.

I understand this but is the phrase used among or within the community - or is it used outside of it? The word infidel - did it originate from the Arab community?

[Dan Zebiri]

Mitzi, Muslims use such terms within their own communities themselves, albeit derogatively. I can't comment on the etymology of such terms, for now..

[mitzi]

Mitzi, Muslims use such terms within their own communities themselves, albeit derogatively. I can't comment on the etymology of such terms, for now..

The Fatwas: Look at the strictness with which we are warned not to pronounce someone a Kaafir. (A fatwā (Arabic: فتوى‎; plural fatāwā Arabic: فتاوى‎) in the Islamic faith is a religious opinion concerning Islamic law issued by an Islamic scholar. In Sunni Islam any fatwā is non-binding, whereas in Shia Islam it could be considered by an individual as binding, depending on his or her relation to the scholar. LINK) quoting: Secondly, a lay person accusing another of kufur falls under qathf, a major sin.

Calling Someone a Kafir
Suhaib Webb | January 15, 2011 1:04 am

Some of this would fall under, as one who would interpret the law and then transmits it/issues an opinion:

Again, interesting, on Halakhic rulings a Posek,a decider of Jewish law (or a halachic decisor), will make the finally ruling on a law - sometimes when there is a contradiction (?) - The decision of a posek is known as a psak din or psak halakha ("ruling of law"; pl. piskei din, piskei halakha) or simply a "psak". In Hebrew, פסק is the root implying to "stop" or "cease"—the posek brings the process of legal debate to finality.

However, a Posek ruling is considered binding whereas, the fatwa is not binding - a written opinion. In my understanding, the basis of the law will still stand but if a particular law conflicts with another (let's say on interpretation/ruling- that is regarded higher) than the higher ruling would take precedents and out weigh the lesser - as this sometimes occurs.

sources: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fatw%C4%81

The person who issues a fatwā is called, in that respect, a Mufti, i.e. an issuer of fatwā, from the verb أَفْتَى 'aftā = "he gave a formal legal opinion on". This is not necessarily a formal position since most Muslims argue that anyone trained in Islamic law may give an opinion (fatwā) on its teachings. If a fatwā does not break new ground, then it is simply called a ruling.[1]

[mitzi]

Mitzi, Muslims use such terms within their own communities themselves, albeit derogatively. I can't comment on the etymology of such terms, for now..

The last message was just my own thoughts on the subject and not necessarily a comment back to you, I understand that you're on another thread so I will let you go....