My understanding of the term *kafir* is that it refers to a person who literally rejects God's authority. So while even the most blatant polytheist would still be *mushrik*, he would not (necessarily) be *kafir*. It's not until the message has been relayed to him and he refuses to accept it that he would be labelled *kafir*.However, it seems the common use of the word *kafir*, at least nowadays, is to refer to anybody who is non-Muslim, regardless of whether or not they're familiar with God's message and His commands.What is the actual meaning of this term in the primary sources? As in, when the Qur'an and the hadiths refer to the *kuffar* (or *ayuhal kafireen*) which interpretation is more correct?
Well, Kaffir is the person who knows God and his Messengers and still not a believer. I think kaffir is not who doesn't believe that God exist but who doesn't trust god. The meaning of the word Kaffir(الغطاء) in Arabic is the one who covers his believes and doesn't know it.
