KÂFIR – كافر

Etymology & Literal Meaning: Literally means ungrateful, or one who repays a benefit by denying it. Etymologically, it derives from the root verb k-f-r ( ك ف ر ), denoting one who conceals or covers something up, or one who deliberately closes his eyes to the haqq and covers it with denial and ingratitude.

As an Islamic Term: One who rejects, covers, or denies the haqq, or any of the pillars of îmân and Islâm. It is not restricted merely to an explicit, verbal denial of Allah; rather, it describes a person who — out of stubborn denial, or by reducing îmân to a superficial verbal acknowledgement — veils the manifest truths of creation, turns away from the guidance of the Creator, attributes creative power and rubûbiyyah to causes or to himself, or treats the laws of Allah with contempt.

In the riwâyât, it was mentioned that "at the âkhirzaman, no one will remain who will say: Allah! Allah!"

1 لاَ يَعْلَمُ الْغَيْبَ اِلاَّ اللّٰهُ, a ta’wîl of it must be as follows: the takkas2 , the places of dhikr and the madrasas, where the dhikr of “Allah! Allah! Allah!” is recited, will be closed, and a name other than the Name Allah will be used in the shaâ’er, such as the adhan and iqâmah. It does not mean that all mankind will fall into kufr al-mutlaq. Because denying Allah is as far from the mind as denying the universe. The mind cannot accept the occurrence of this denial, even in the majority of people, let alone all of them. The kâfirs do not deny Allah but are in error concerning His attributes.

Another ta’wîl of it is this: the rûhs of the mu’mins will be seized a little previously by the qiyâmah so that they do not see its terror. Qiyâmah will erupt over the heads of the kâfirs.

The Fifth Ray-Fourth Matter