An Approach to the Concept of "Kufr" (Disbelief) in the Mirror of Al- Kāfī

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Document Type : Research Article

Authors

1 Quranic Department, Razavi University. Mashhad. Iran

2 Razavi University of Islamic Sciences

3 A member of the academic faculty of Razavi University of Islamic Sciences and a scholar of Khorasan Seminary

Abstract

Kufr, as one of the most pivotal and widely used concepts in religious literature, plays a decisive role in the fate of individuals and society. Generally, kufr refers to a negative stance toward religion and its teachings. A precise understanding of this term depends on examining its meaning and application in the verses of the Qur'an and narrations. This article, organized in a descriptive-analytical method, addresses the categorization, validation, semantic analysis, and ultimately the synthesis of narrations related to the definition of kufr in the book Al-Īmān wa al-Kufr of Kāfī. In this study, an attempt was made to answer the question of whether kufr in narrations carries an affirmative meaning, i.e., an action, or a negative meaning, i.e., the absence of a positive reaction—whether accompanied by an explicit negative reaction or not. The findings of this research indicate that kufr in the narrations of Kāfī primarily refers to abandoning an action with disdain despite acknowledging its correctness, rebellion and persistence in opposing God, intentional neglect of obligatory duties, altering divine commandments, and denying the guardianship (wilāya) of the Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them). The article ultimately concludes that kufr, in its narrative usage, denotes an active and conscious negative action against religion. Therefore, doubt in religious teachings, ignorance of religious concepts, or even rejection of religion—provided there is no active and conscious opposition to it—is not considered kufr.

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