Are Jews and Christians Disbelievers Like the Kuffar?
Question: Are Jews and Christians considered as disbelievers meaning kuffars or are they categorized differently as People of the Book?
Answer:
Dear questioner,
May Allah bless you and increase you in good.
Disbelieving In Allah and His Messenger
Allah says in the Quran, “Indeed, those who disbelieve from the People of the Book and the polytheists will be in the Fire of Hell, to stay there forever. They are the worst of ˹all˺ beings.” [Quran, 98:6]
The Jews and Christians are considered disbelievers.
The People of the Book
This is a reference given to them because they had Prophets and revelation sent to them. They possessed at one point guidance and grace.
We can eat meat they slaughter with some details and requirements through (please see this https://seekers.flywheelstaging.com/answers/general-counsel/eating-the-meat-of-the-people-of-the-book/. )
Muslim men are allowed to marry Jewish and Christian women.
See details here ( https://seekers.flywheelstaging.com/answers/shafii-fiqh/allowed-marry-christian-woman-shafii/ )
Salvation
In terms of salvation, do remember that Christians do not consider Muslims to be saved. They are very clear about this, and we as Muslims need to be clear with them also that one must embrace Islam to enter Paradise.
Allah says, “Whoever seeks a religion other than Islam will never have it accepted from him, and shall be of those who have truly failed in the next life” [Surat al- Imran 3:85]
So in short summary, yes they are considered disbelievers under the category of the People of the Book.
Further Recommended Reading
Allah alone grants success.
