Ruling on "Kufrun Doona Kufr" (Lesser Form of Disbelief)

Source: Fatawa Ulama-e-Hadith, Volume 09

❖ Question:​

Is the phrase "Kufrun Doona Kufr" a Hadith?

❖ Answer:​

"Kufrun Doona Kufr" is not a Hadith of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ. Rather, it is a well-known juristic expression narrated by ʿAṭāʾ رحمه الله تعالى. Imam al-Bukhari رحمه الله referenced this phrase in the chapter heading of Kitab al-Iman in his Sahih al-Bukhari, and its meaning is supported by authentic Hadiths.

❖ Meaning:​

The expression "Kufrun Doona Kufr" signifies a type of disbelief that is not actual or absolute disbelief—that is, it does not expel one from the fold of faith. Instead, it refers to ingratitude or disobedience.

For example, the Prophet ﷺ said:
"I was shown Hell and saw that the majority of its inhabitants were women who used to commit kufr."

The Companions asked: "Do they disbelieve in Allah?"
The Prophet ﷺ replied:
"They are ungrateful to their husbands and ungrateful for the favors done to them."
(Sahih al-Bukhari)

Here, the word kufr does not imply denial of Allah, but rather ingratitude towards one’s husband and for favors—what is known as kufran al-ni‘mah (ingratitude for blessings). This kind of disbelief is what is termed "Kufrun Doona Kufr."

❖ Summary:​

"Kufrun Doona Kufr" is not a Hadith, but a juridical term meaning a type of disbelief that does not constitute actual or legal kufr, rather it falls under ingratitude or sinfulness. It is used in specific juristic discussions to differentiate between major disbelief and acts of disobedience that are termed as lesser disbelief.