“Kafir.” “Mushrik.” Such words exude a connotation of taintedness or impurity. They represent the antithesis of terms such as “Believer” or “Muslim.” Phrases such as “Muslims want to kill the infidels” are all too common in modern media, however, what does the Quran actually say about those who disbelieve? Islam contains a strict set of guidelines of what constitutes a proper manner of belief and worship. Those who diverge from the prescribed belief set, by either denying God’s existence, or by associating him with partners, are Kafirs and Mushriks. Both Musrikeen and Kafiroon are guilty of committing shirk because shirk can occur either through associating God with something else, or by the denial of his existence. Those who commit shirk…show more content… If a “Muslim” says he believes in God, but is so preoccupied with the pursuit of earthly wealth that he neglects to ever pray, guilty of shirk? He has placed money and wealth above his devotion to God, and therefore has implicitly given God partners. People who identify as Muslims, but neglect to follow the Iman, and routinely sin without genuine repentance are still guilty of shirk. If anything, the consequences could possibly be greater for the “Muslims” who commit shirk. The Quran frequently groups polytheists with hypocrites when describing the sins they have committed and the punishment they will face (48:6, 33:73). This implies that shirk is a sin that is heavily associated with hypocrisy. Shirk is a form of hypocrisy, because it is a denial of what the Quran states we were created and configured to believe. It would also follow that Muslims who still commit shirk, despite their knowledge of Islam, are engaging in an even greater form of…show more content… For the most part, the Quran encourages a level of segregation between believers and nonbelievers, rather than conflict between the two. Muslims are told to follow what was revealed to them and turn away from the Muskrikeen (15:94, 6:106). The suggestion that Muslims are to turn away from the disbelievers further embellishes the aforementioned argument that Mushrikeen cause harm to those around them. The command to turn away from them is given in order to protect the believers. Furthermore, marriage to polytheists, as well as the consumption of their meat, are both prohibited (6:121, 24:3). Also, polytheists are prohibited from entering mosques on account of their “uncleanliness (9:113)”. The Quran makes an unambiguous attempt to create a segregated space where the disbelievers (who are considered vile, as well as unfortunate) are ostracized and unable to bring their wickedness upon the believers. This is not intended to create a discriminatory society, seeing as the Quran encourages Muslims to invite the polytheists to Islam. Rather, the intent is to create an area of protection, a spiritual safe
