Major Kufr (disbelief) refers to forms of rejection or denial that remove a person from the fold of Islam. Shaykh Ibn al-‘Uthaymeen explained these primary types of major kufr, each reflecting a direct opposition to the fundamentals of faith:
- Kufr of Denial (Kufr al-Juḥūd): This is when a person outright denies something essential in Islam, such as the existence of Allāh, the prophethood of Muhammad (peace be upon him), or the truth of the Qur’an, despite knowing its truth.
- Kufr of Arrogance and Rebellion (Kufr al-Istikbār): This type occurs when someone knows the truth of Islam but refuses to submit to it out of pride or arrogance. The example of Satan’s refusal to bow to Adam illustrates this type, as he recognized Allāh’s command but rejected it out of arrogance.
- Kufr of Doubt (Kufr ash-Shakk): Here, a person harbors doubt or uncertainty about fundamental beliefs, such as doubting the existence of Allāh, the Day of Judgment, or the Prophethood. This lack of conviction can lead to rejection of core beliefs.
- Kufr of Hypocrisy (Kufr an-Nifāq): This is when a person outwardly displays belief in Islam while inwardly disbelieving. Hypocrisy of this type is especially grave, as it involves deliberate deception regarding one’s true belief.
- Kufr of Turning Away (Kufr al-I’rāḍ): This occurs when someone deliberately turns away from Islam, showing indifference or completely disregarding its teachings, with no interest in following or learning about the faith.