[WillowTheWhisp]

Originally Posted by jambutty

Also the teachers often used the term “Kaffir” or “Kaffer and Kafir” as they spelled it, when referring to non Muslims. This is a derogatory term used by Boers when referring to Black Africans, particularly in South Africa and Rhodesia and also adopted by white South Africans.

I know you appreciate facts Jambutty so lets get this right shall we?
The origin of the word kafir is Arabic and is usually translated as "unbeliever". In the Arabic language it means someone who who does not believe in, or denies the existence of, Allah. It was not intended as a derogatory term any more than a Christian referring to an atheist means it in a derogatory manner, or a Jew referring to a Gentile. It is merely a distinctive description.

The word was used to describe non-Muslim people by Arab traders on the coast of Africa. The word was adopted from there by Portuguese traders who used to describe the non-Muslim African people with whom they traded. It then spread into South Africa and was openly and generally used to describe African tribal peoples collectively but not in a derogatory fashion, in much the same way as they are today referred to as 'black South Africans' Only during the last century did it become a term of insult used by white South Africans or Rhodesians when referring to black people whom they considered inferior.

So you see, for Muslims to use the word it is neither derogatory nor offensive. It is merely the original Arabic word used to refer to someone who is not Muslim. Many Arabic words are used in Islam - it avoids the problems which can arise with translating into different languages. (Words such as 'halal' and 'haraam' for example.)

Please stop looking for insults and offences where none exist.