What is the difference between "al-mujrimūn (the criminals), al-munāfiqūn (the hypocrites), al-kāfirūn (the disbelievers), al-mushrikūn (the polytheists), and al-fāsiqūn (the defiantly disobedient)" mentioned in the Holy Qur’an, and what are the common factors among them?
In the Holy Quran, the "criminals" (al-mujrimoon) are those who commit sins and iniquities, which often constitute disbelief leading to eternal damnation in Hellfire. The "hypocrites" (al-munafiqoon) are those who outwardly display Islam but inwardly conceal disbelief. The "disbelievers" (al-kafiroon) are the deniers who do not believe in Allah and His messengers. The "polytheists" (al-mushrikoon) are those who worship other than Allah Almighty, or who worship others alongside Him. The "defiantly disobedient" (al-fasiqoon) are those who rebel against Allah and deviate from His obedience, and the term "fisq" (disobedience) may also refer to major disbelief. The common factor among all these groups is their transgression of Allah Almighty's command.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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