Application of the word ” Kufr” to one who neglects prayer

It is narrated on the authority of Abu Zubair that he heard Jabir b. ‘Abdullah saying. I heard the Messenger of Allaah (may peace and blessings be upon him) observing this: Between man and polytheism and unbelief is the abandonment of salat. (Muslim)

Lessons to Learn from this Hadith:

1. This hadith cannot be taken literally.
2. If the person acknowledges Shahadah, believes in the pillars of Islam and Iman, and still he does not pray out of laziness, then he is a sinning muslim. He cannot be called a kaafir.
3. But if he does not acknowledge Shahada or believes in the pillars of Islam and Iman and still does not pray, then he can be called a Kaafir.