"infidel" is an english term that is sometimes equated to the word "kaafir", but they are not the same.

Isn't there a forum post on a similar topic? I may be wrong.

so you said that infidel = kaafir

but then you say that they are not the same? why?

@ sbf - the two terms are used interchangebly, but they are not literally the same.

As for Kaafir, there are also a few meanings of that. One being one who hides the truth, another being one who rejects Allah (swt) or the Prophet (swt) or Islam in general etc.

Of Rev D is a reverend, the Qur'an refers to Christians and Jews as "people of the book" which is a slightly erm... "statused" term as we acknowledge that Prophet's have been sent down to all nations to guide them, but we also say that their message has over time been twisted.

A 'kafir' is someone who isn't Muslim. Simple as that. But it has been used as an insult in the past, therefore perhaps its not always morally correct to use it, especially if the term 'non-Muslim' won't cause offence, and 'kafir' will.

We're advised not to insult people of other faiths, or their beliefs, in case in leads to them insulting God in return.

Also, if you label someone a kafir when they are in fact a Muslim, then that is a huge sin.

a 'mushrik' mean polytheist of any religion.

Christians and Jews are known as 'People of the Book', as a mark of respect to recognise the fact the believe in the same God as we do, and follow previous prophets (peace be upon them) who we believe were sent from God. But they are still 'kafir' in terms of being non-Muslim, because they don't accept the prophethood of Muhammad (peace be upon him).

The word 'infidel' is from the Christain tradition, I have no idea what it specifically means. If English-speaking Muslims use the word, its up to them what they mean, whether they simply mean 'non-Muslim' or something else. Its not always as simple as a direct translation from 'kafir', but perhaps sometimes it is.

Hope this helps.