Asslamualikum, Sorry I can't find the fatwa and I am sorry having had posted this query based on a news article which sounds authentic. http://muslimsface.wordpress.com/201...-is-not-kafir/ However, having had read the entire thread I think all of us have understood that Deoband and all muslims consider Hindus as Kaafir however we must refrain from using the word "kaafir" in public and gatherings as the fatwa says. Allah says that all his messengers were "Basheer and Nazeer". I have heard scholars comment that the word Basheer precedes the word Nazeer as a quality of all the prophets for they call upon the people initially with love and affection and then they become Nazeer. So there is nothing wrong in this Fatwa and it again showcases the Hikmah of the scholars and the way they are making progress.