Kufr is derived from Arabic and means ‘to cover or conceal something.’ But when we take this word in the context of Shariah (Islamic laws), it has several meanings, such as not believing in the message of Allah SWT and His Messenger, Prophet Muhammad PBUH, ingratitude, or rejection.
In short, the word kufr is the exact opposite of iman (faith). Keeping this in mind, this blog will highlight the types of kufr, Quranic verses about kufr, and what our Holy Prophet PBUH has said about kufr and kafir.
The Linguistic and Quranic Meaning of Kufr
The word “kufr” comes from the root word “kafara,” which means “to cover up the truth.” “Kafara” is also the root word of “kafir,” which has been used in the Quran for those who have rejected Islam after receiving divine guidance. For example, in the second chapter of the Quran, Allah SWT states,
“As for the Disbelievers, whether thou warn them or thou warn them not, it is all one for them; they believe not.”
Similarly, in another verse, He says,
“They know the favor of Allah and then deny it. Most of them are ingrates.”
In short, kufr is the opposite of iman (faith).
Distinctions Within Kufr
Above, we explained that kufr is the antonym of iman (faith). But, since a few Islamic scholars categorize kufr into the degrees of minor and major kufr, there is a condition where the word kufr is not in exact contrast with the word iman. And that condition applies when a difference is asserted between major and minor kufr. Let’s discuss both of these types below:
Major Kufr (Kufr e Akbar)
By attempting major kufr, you no longer remain in the fold of Islam and hence are a disbeliever. If you have committed major kufr and you die without making repentance (taubah), you will be thrown into Jahannam (hellfire) and will stay there for the rest of eternity.
Minor Kufr (Kufr e Asghar)
By attempting minor kufr, you don’t become a disbeliever but a major sinner and transgressor. Minor kufr, also known as hypocrisy, should be avoided at all costs.
So we can say that minor kufr is a lesser form of kufr and does not make someone a disbeliever, as it co-exists with Islam and iman.
Types Of Major Kufr
Several types of major kufr can make you a disbeliever, and knowing them is crucial so you can stay protected from them and protect others around you, too. Let’s discuss some of them below:
1. Kufr ul-Inad
This kufr is the type of kufr that is committed out of stubbornness. It means that a person knows about the truth, claims to know the truth with his tongue, but refuses to declare it.
2. Kufr ul-Kibr
The word kibr is derived from ‘takabbur,’ which means arrogance or pride. Hence, Kufr ul-Kibr is defined as the kufr committed out of arrogance. The most significant example of this kufr is Shaytan, who refused to bow before Adam A.S. because he took pride in being made of fire, whereas Adam A.S. was made of mud.
3. Kufr ul-Inkar
The word inkar means denial, and kufr ul-Inkar is the kufr one commits when he denies the truth both with the tongue and the heart. A perfect example of Kufr ul-Inkar is the story of Abu-Lahab, the paternal uncle of Prophet Muhammad PBUH, who denied Islam with his heart and tongue.
4. Kufr ul-Nifaq
The Arabic word nifaq means hypocrisy. So kufr ul-Nifaq is described as the kufr committed when a person claims to be a believer with his tongue but doesn’t believe in Islam with his heart. That person is called a Munafiq, a hypocrite.
5. Kufr ul-I’rdah
Kufr ul-I’rdah is the kufr committed when one intentionally turns away from the truth. An example of this is the reaction of the polytheists to whom our Prophet PBUH was sent. They deliberately turned away from Islam, even though the Holy Prophet PBUH brought them all the proofs and signs. Therefore, they committed kufr ul-I’rdah.
6. Kufr ul-Juhud
The word Juhud is an Arabic word that means rejection or denial, and kufr ul-Juhud implies the act of knowingly denying the truth of Islam or its core principles. This kufr may also apply to people who say that they are Muslims but reject the main tenets of Islam, such as Hajj or charity.
7. Kufr al-Istihlal
Kufr al-Istihlal is the kufr of turning something that Allah SWT has labeled haram (forbidden) into something halal (permissible).
Examples of kufr al-Istihlal can include a person listening to music and claiming that he is depressed, that is why he is listening to it, or a person eating anything haram just because the halal options are not to his liking. This makes him a doer of kufr al-Istihlal because only Allah SWT can determine what is permissible and what is forbidden for us.
8. Kufr al-Istihza
The word istihza is derived from the Arabic language and means to mock or ridicule. Kufr al-Istihza refers to the disbelief committed when one mocks or ridicules Islamic beliefs, its core principles, or practices.
9. Kufr ul-Kurh
Kufr ul-Kurh is defined as the kufr one commits when he detests the commands and orders of Allah SWT, and this applies to a person who despises and detests Allah’s commands and rebels against them.
10. Kufr ul Istibdal
Kufr ul Istibdal is committed when a person knowingly and intentionally replaces or substitutes the fundamental principles and practices of Islam with other beliefs or ideologies. It is considered a major sin because it promotes the replacement of core practices and interferes with the sacred nature of faith.
Types Of Minor Kufr
Minor kufr, also referred to as hypocrisy, is the type of kufr that doesn’t put you out of the fold of Islam, but it is a major sin to commit and, therefore, should be avoided at all costs. And if someone does commit it, they should immediately repent to Allah SWT, as he is the most forgiving and merciful. Some examples of minor kufr in Islam are as follows:
1. Murder
Murdering someone in Islam is a major sin. If you deliberately kill a believer, you have committed an act of extreme transgression. Our Holy Prophet PBUH says in a hadith that abusing a Muslim is evil, whereas killing him is kufr. [Sahih al-Bukhari, 6044]
2. Bribery
If a judge takes bribes from someone who decides in his favor, that is also considered kufr. Moreover, Allah SWT says that those who don’t judge according to what Allah has revealed are disbelievers.
3. Failing to Fast
A person who ignores his obligatory fasts just because of laziness is considered a kaafir by some scholars. Although the correct view states that such a person is not a kaafir, but is in a perilous position because they are neglecting one of the pillars of Islam. In this case, they should be disciplined and compensate for their missed fasts.
Consequences and the Path to Repentance
The consequences of kufr manifest in many forms. Aside from the physical repercussions (a life of hardship, ignorance, disappointment, etc.), committing kufr has significant spiritual consequences. One starts to lose their relationship with the deen and become exposed to more harm and evil. Moreover, the accountability in the akhirah (hereafter) is another serious consequence of kufr.
But even if one has committed kufr, it doesn’t mean there is no way out of it. The doors of Allah’s mercy are always open. The first thing one should do is sincerely repent to Allah because sincere repentance (tawbah) can wipe out the biggest of sins, including kufr. It doesn’t matter what kind of kufr it is; one should repent with the thought that Allah is the Most Forgiving and Most Merciful, and as long as one calls upon Him, Allah will grant them forgiveness.
“Say: O My slaves who have been prodigal to their own hurt! Despair not of the mercy of Allah, Who forgiveth all sins. Lo! He is the Forgiving, the Merciful.”
Why Understanding Kufr Matters
In a world that promotes more wrong than right, it is essential to understand the elements that underpin the religion. Kufr is the exact opposite of iman, and educating oneself about it prevents misunderstanding about what constitutes disbelief. It keeps one away from sin and ensures that a Muslim safeguards their faith while avoiding arrogance, doubt, or hypocrisy.
Knowledge of such matters reinforces humility, gratitude, and devotion to Allah, and strengthens one’s relationship with Islam. It promotes knowledge-based faith rather than blind practice.
Conclusion
So, there it is. You know what kufr is, what kuffar is, and kuffar vs. kafir.
To sum it up, there are two kinds of kufr, and knowing about them is essential when addressing matters of belief and practice within the Muslim community. If someone commits these types of kufr, they should immediately seek the advice of a scholar and repent, as Allah SWT is the most merciful.