At the outset, it is important to understand that it is not permissible to degrade anyone, irrespective of him being a muslim or not. Every human being should be respected as a creation of Allah. Allah tells us in the Qur’an:
ولقد كرمنا بني آدم (بني إسرائيل:70)
Indeed, we have granted honor to the children of Aadam. Bani-Israeel: 70)
This verse is inclusive of all human beings. Furthermore, Shariah emphasizes on good character and conduct. Moreover, it is equally important to display good conduct with non-Muslims. Allah Ta’ala refers to Rasullullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam in the Quran:
إنك لعلى خلق عظيم (القلم: 4)
Verily, you are upon an exalted character (Al-Qalam: 4)
It is good character and conduct that attracts people to Islam. It is irresponsible for a person to display bad character and conduct even to non-Muslims. Degrading and abusing a non-Muslim will only create animosity against Islam in his heart. Furthermore, it will lead him/her to insult Islam.
It is important to note that the term Kaafir is an Arabic word that is derived from the root word كفر which means to disbelieve. Contextually, it refers to people who do not believe in the tenets of Islam. Hence, Kafir is translated as non-believer. The word Kafir, in the essence of the word, is not meant to defame or humiliate. It is incorrect to understand the word Kaafir beyond its literal sense.
Kaafir means one who rejects
‘Kaafir’ is derived from the word ‘kufr’, which means ‘to conceal’ or ‘to reject’. In Islamic terminology, ‘Kaafir’ means one who conceals or rejects the truth of Islam and a person who rejects Islam is in English called a ‘non-Muslim’.
If non-Muslims are hurt – they should accept Islam
If any non-Muslim considers the word ‘Kaafir’ i.e. ‘non-Muslim’ as an abuse, he may choose to accept Islam and then we will stop referring to him as or call him a Kaafir i.e. a non-Muslim