Language is one of the most powerful tools humans possess. It can unite communities, promote understanding, and foster peace—but it can also be twisted to spread hatred, fear, and violence. The Arabic word “kāfir” is a striking example. Originally a neutral theological term in Islam, meaning “one who denies or rejects a belief” or “one who is ungrateful,” it has been hijacked by extremist Islamist groups and weaponized as a slur against Christians, Jews, Hindus, and other faiths. What was once a descriptive religious term has become a symbol of contempt, exclusion, and dehumanization. 

Extremist Islamists exploit the word kāfir to justify discrimination and violence. In their rhetoric, labeling someone a kāfir is no longer a theological observation—it is a deliberate act of dehumanization, marking individuals, minority groups, or entire host communities as inferior, illegitimate, or unworthy of protection. Through propaganda, sermons, and online campaigns, extremists create an environment where hatred is normalized and violence becomes acceptable. Across South Asia, the Middle East, and Africa, such rhetoric has incited mob attacks, destruction of property, and even killings, demonstrating the tangible consequences of weaponized language. Alarmingly, this practice is now spreading to Western countries as well, where it is being used to intimidate and marginalize minority and host communities. 

Even within Islamist groups, the term is used to foster sectarian hatred and internal conflict. Accusations of being a kāfir have fueled tensions between Shia and Sunni Muslims, and among other factions, including Wahhabi groups. This intra-faith misuse has led to violence, killings, and enduring mistrust, a pattern clearly visible throughout Pakistan’s history. Thus, the word functions as a tool of division both externally and internally. 

Voices of conscience have spoken out against this dangerous manipulation. Sardar Mushtaq Gill, founder of LEAD Ministries, has repeatedly condemned the use of kāfir as an insult, describing it as “the root cause of much violence, hatred, and extremism across the globe.” Moderate Islamic scholars similarly stress that using the term to threaten, demean, or exclude others is a misuse of its original meaning. Islam, like all major religions, promotes coexistence, respect, and justice—values betrayed when extremists weaponize language to incite hatred. 

The misuse of kāfir also constitutes a human rights violation. Labeling individuals or groups with this term fosters faith-based hatred, discrimination, violence, and even terrorism. It infringes upon the fundamental rights to safety, dignity, and freedom of belief. Recently, the Indian Supreme Court ruled that using the term halal in a derogatory way to incite hatred against those who consume Jhatka meat constitutes a violation of human rights. This ruling underscores how the misuse of religious terminology can directly threaten social harmony and individual rights. 

Given its destructive effects, there is a compelling argument that the word kāfir should be banned or criminalized as a slur. Extremist groups have used it as a root cause of faith-based hatred, discrimination, and terrorism. Legal restrictions and penalties against its derogatory use would protect vulnerable communities, curb social polarization, and prevent language from being weaponized to radicalize individuals or justify violence. 

To eradicate and control Islamist extremism, terrorism, hatred, and violence, international authorities—particularly the USA and Western policy-making bodies—must take the misuse of the word kāfir seriously. Global attention, coordinated policy measures, and legal frameworks are essential to prevent it from being weaponized as a tool of division and to ensure that its derogatory use is banned and penalized. 

The challenge is both moral and linguistic. Societies must confront the misuse of words like kāfir and challenge extremist rhetoric wherever it arises. Promoting responsible language, interfaith dialogue, and critical thinking are crucial to preventing the manipulation of theology into instruments of hatred. 

Sardar Mushtaq Gill’s warning is clear: words carry immense power. When extremists twist religious terminology into slurs, they sow division, encourage violence, and undermine social cohesion. Countering this misuse—including legally restricting and criminalizing its derogatory use—is essential to building communities founded on mutual respect, safety, and understanding.