Page 48 - The Religion Of The Ignorant

THE RELIGION OF THE IGNORANT

often displayed in the Religion of the Ignorant.
Other features of Ignorantism are group mockery of a person
who makes clumsy mistakes, teasing those known for their inno-
cence or good intentions, looking for something to laugh at in every
word uttered, and embarrassing others whom one dislikes or
wishes to demean by embracing them in public. The fact is, how-
ever, that such behavior is strongly condemned and forbidden in
the Qur'an:
You who believe! People should not ridicule others who
may be better than themselves; nor should any women
ridicule other women who may be better than themselves.
And do not find fault with one another or insult each other
with derogatory nicknames. How evil it is to have a name
for evil conduct after coming to faith! Those people who do
not turn from it are wrongdoers. (Surat al-Hujurat, 11)

4- INDIFFERENCE
One fundamental element of the Religion of the Ignorant is the
appearance of indifference. In this superstitious religion, indiffer-
ence is employed to supposedly suggest intelligence, ability and
personal superiority. It is believed that indifference is the way to
give the impression of being someone very special, with a far supe-
rior character to anyone else. Indifferent attitudes are therefore
prevalent, especially among the young.
Consider the most popular boys or girls in high school. You'll
seldom see modest, loving, respectful and sincere behavior in such
individuals. Behavioral traits of that kind, the most important fea-
tures of proper moral values, are regarded as demeaning in
Ignorantism. In order to be popular among members of this reli-
gion, one should be as arrogant and indifferent as possible. Greeting

46