How do you differentiate a non believer, believer and a Muslim

1. The Concept of a Non-Believer in Islam (Kafir)

In Islamic thought, a “non-believer” is generally understood to be someone who does not accept the basic tenets of Islam, particularly the belief in Tawhid (the oneness of Allah), the finality of the Prophethood of Muhammad (peace be upon him), and the Qur’an as the final revelation.

The Arabic term used for a non-believer in Islam is “Kafir” (كافر), which comes from the root word “k-f-r”, meaning “to cover” or “to conceal.” In a theological sense, a Kafir is someone who has concealed or rejected the truth of Islam. The Qur’an defines Kufr (disbelief) as the rejection of the guidance of Allah and His messengers, particularly when someone is presented with the clear evidence of divine truth but chooses to deny or ignore it.

Key Qur’anic References:

  • Allah says in the Qur’an:
    “Indeed, those who disbelieve (Kafirun) in Allah and His messengers and wish to make distinction between Allah and His messengers and say, ‘We believe in some and disbelieve in others’… it is they who are the disbelievers (Kafirun). And We have prepared for the disbelievers (Kafirun) a humiliating punishment.” (Qur’an 4:150-151)
  • Another verse says:
    “Indeed, those who disbelieve and die as disbelievers – never would the earth be filled with gold (or wealth) be accepted from any of them, even if he offered it as ransom. For those there is a painful punishment, and they will have no helpers.” (Qur’an 3:91)

In Islamic theology, a Kafir is anyone who rejects Iman (faith) in the full sense of the word. This includes, but is not limited to, those who deny the existence of Allah, reject His messengers (including the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him), or deny the fundamental teachings of Islam. Non-believers can be classified further, based on their specific rejection or denial:

  • Kafir in the literal sense: Those who do not believe in Allah at all (such as atheists).
  • Kafir in a religious sense: Those who reject Islam but adhere to other monotheistic religions, such as Jews and Christians, though the Qur’an refers to them as “People of the Book” (Ahl al-Kitab), and they are recognized as having received prior revelations.
  • Polytheists (Mushrikun): Those who associate partners with Allah, denying His oneness.

Consequences of Kufr (Disbelief):

In Islam, Kufr is seen as a major sin because it directly contradicts the core belief of Islam, which is the Tawhid (oneness of Allah). Those who die in a state of Kufr are believed to face severe punishment in the Hereafter, as stated in the Qur’an:

  • “Indeed, those who disbelieve in Allah and His signs, Allah will not guide them, and for them is a painful punishment.” (Qur’an 3:86)

This punishment is often described as eternal in Hell (Jahannam), as they have rejected the divine message of salvation.

2. The Concept of a Believer in Islam (Mu’min)

A Mu’min (مؤمن) in Islamic theology is a person who believes in the core articles of faith outlined by Allah and His Messenger (peace be upon him) and follows the practices prescribed in Islam. A Mu’min is someone who has accepted Islam, not just in their speech, but also in their heart and actions.

Key Articles of Faith for a Believer (Mu’min):

There are six main articles of faith (Usul al-Iman) in Islam that every believer must accept:

  1. Belief in Allah: The oneness of Allah (Tawhid), that He alone is worthy of worship.
  2. Belief in Angels: That Allah has created angels who carry out His commands.
  3. Belief in the Revealed Books: That Allah revealed scriptures to His messengers, with the Qur’an being the final and most complete revelation.
  4. Belief in the Prophets and Messengers: Believing in all the Prophets and Messengers sent by Allah, including Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus, and Muhammad (peace be upon them).
  5. Belief in the Day of Judgment: The belief in the final Day when all humans will be resurrected and judged for their deeds.
  6. Belief in Qadar (Divine Decree): Belief in the divine will and decree, that Allah has knowledge of everything that happens and that everything occurs according to His will.

Key Qur’anic References:

  • “The Believers are only those who have believed in Allah and His Messenger, and when they are with him on a matter requiring collective action, they do not depart until the matter is settled, they do not turn back.” (Qur’an 49:15)

A Mu’min is one who believes in these six core principles and lives in accordance with them. The Iman (faith) of a Mu’min encompasses both belief in the heart and actions of submission to Allah. True Iman leads to a life of righteousness, humility, and obedience to Allah’s commands.

Key Characteristics of a Mu’min:

The qualities of a true believer are outlined in the Qur’an and Hadith. For example, Allah says in the Qur’an:

  • “The Believers are those who are humble in their prayers, and who avoid vain talk, and who are active in charity, and who protect their chastity, and who honor their trust and covenants…” (Qur’an 23:1-8)

These verses describe the lifestyle and qualities of a Mu’min, which include sincere worship, moral integrity, social responsibility, and adherence to Islamic principles.

Consequences for a Believer:

The reward for those who are true believers is immense in the Hereafter. Allah promises paradise (Jannah) for the believers:

  • “Indeed, those who have believed and done righteous deeds – they will be the best of creatures. Their reward with their Lord is Paradise, gardens of eternity beneath which rivers flow, where they will abide forever.” (Qur’an 98:7-8)

A Mu’min’s reward in the Hereafter depends on the sincerity and consistency of their faith and deeds.

3. The Concept of a Muslim in Islam

The term “Muslim” (مسلم) comes from the Arabic root “s-l-m”, which means “to submit” or “to surrender.” In Islamic terminology, a Muslim is someone who submits their will to Allah by following the teachings of Islam, which were revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). A Muslim is someone who has verbally declared the Shahada (testimony of faith), declaring that there is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is His messenger.

Key Aspects of Being a Muslim:

A person becomes a Muslim by sincerely declaring the Shahada, the testimony of faith:

  • “I bear witness that there is no god but Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and messenger.” (Sahih Muslim)

However, simply uttering the Shahada is not enough. The individual must also adhere to the Five Pillars of Islam (Arkan al-Islam), which are the foundational acts of worship and practice in Islam. These are:

  1. Shahada (Faith declaration)
  2. Salah (Obligatory prayers)
  3. Zakat (Charity or almsgiving)
  4. Sawm (Fasting during Ramadan)
  5. Hajj (Pilgrimage to Mecca, if able)

By following these pillars and living according to the guidance of the Qur’an and the Hadith, a person fulfills the basic obligations of a Muslim.

Key Qur’anic References:

  • “Indeed, the only religion in the sight of Allah is Islam.” (Qur’an 3:19)
  • “Whoever desires other than Islam as religion – never will it be accepted from him.” (Qur’an 3:85)

These verses highlight that submission to Allah through the practice of Islam is the only acceptable religion in the eyes of Allah.

Differences Between Muslim and Believer (Mu’min):

While every Mu’min is a Muslim, not every Muslim is necessarily a Mu’min in the deeper sense of the term. The Muslim may outwardly follow the basic rituals and practices of Islam but may lack the full depth of belief in their heart or may struggle with sincere faith. A Mu’min, however, is someone whose faith (Iman) is not just a matter of external ritual but is rooted deeply in the heart and reflected in all aspects of their life.

Conclusion

To summarize, from an Islamic perspective:

  • Kafir: A non-believer or someone who rejects the fundamental beliefs of Islam, including the oneness of Allah, the finality of the Prophet Muhammad, and the truth of the Qur’an. A Kafir is one who denies the essential principles of Islam.
  • Mu’min: A true believer who not only accepts the core tenets of Islam but also submits to Allah through sincere worship, righteous deeds, and adherence to the teachings of Islam.
  • Muslim: A person who submits to Allah by declaring the Shahada and performing the Five Pillars of Islam. Every Muslim is a follower of Islam, but their level of faith and submission may vary.

In Islam, faith, belief, and submission to Allah are all intertwined, and the ideal Muslim strives to embody not just the outward practices of Islam but also the inner sincerity of a true believer (Mu’min).