In Iraq, it isn’t just about minorities: The “Infidels” attacked by the so-called “Islamic State” in

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http://www.juancole.com/2014/08/minorities-infidels-attacked.html

In Iraq, it isn’t just about minorities: The “Infidels” attacked by the so-called “Islamic State” include the Sunnis, Too
By contributors | Aug. 19, 2014
By Ali A. Olomi

The Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) has declared war on “kafirs.” According to most observers, this term as ISIS uses it refers to Christians, Yazidi, and Shia Muslims. But this is far more than a conflict that pits Muslim versus Yazidi or Christian, or even Sunni vs Shia. To cast this conflict in such simplistic terms fails to grasp the true nature of ISIS and the ideology that inflames their insurgency.

The violence committed by ISIS, which now styles itself the “Islamic State,” against Christians and the Yazidi people is atrocious and terrifying. However the violence of this insurgency is not limited only to those groups, but rather is directed at anyone whom they deem a kafir. Though some authors translate kafir as “infidel,” it is an insufficient translation that carries specific historical connotations. The word infidel is derived from the Latin “infidelis” which translates to “unfaithful” or “without faith.” It was used by Crusaders against Muslims or Saracens who they believed were godless or faithless. Kafir on the other hand in classical Arabic meant one who was ungrateful (i.e. for God’s bounties or his prophets). That is, the word is closer to “denier” and carries the connotation of someone who is offered the truth but rejects it, or who perverts it. The difference is nuanced, but important to understanding the mentality of a group like ISIS.

To such an organization, anyone who denies its brand of truth, or who rejects it is a kafir and this includes other Muslims, including Sunni Muslims. Condemning one’s putative coreligionists in this way is called takfir, which is the act of labeling someone a kafir. Traditionally among Sunni Muslims, the idea of takfir was highly controversial and contested. While some claim that only the learned ulema or scholars could effectively label one a kafir – — and only after certain legalistic requirements and then for the purpose of excommunication—- other Muslims completely reject the idea of takfir, claiming only God can know what is in one’s heart.

While the Sunni “big tent” tradition generally frowns on summary excommunication, there was one early Muslim tradition that was comfortable with the practice. The original takfiri were the Kharijites, a puritanical group who were considered heretics by mainstream Muslims and who eventually assassinated ‘Ali ibn Abi Talib, recognized by Sunnis as the fourth rightly-guided caliph. They were a radical sect outside the mainstream religion who believed that any who did not accept their strict interpretations of religion and truth were kafir. The takfiri specifically believed in violence against kafirs. The original people accused of being kafirs by the takfiri are other Muslims. An important point to remember.