Page 23 - Character Types of the Unbelievers
P. 23
THE CHARACTER OF MEMBERS OF
THE SOCIETIES OF IGNORANCE
The lives led by members of the societies of ignorance which
are far removed from the Qur’an cause them all to be in difficulty
and error throughout all stages of their lives. The greatest of these
difficulties, however, is suffered within themselves. Because of their
corrupted understanding, the character they develop causes them
discontent and anxiety.
During their childhood, these ignorant persons chose others to
model themselves after. And, as they grew up, they try to be like
them. The role-models they choose may be a parent, a sister or
brother, a close friend, a neighbor or someone they have seen on tel-
evision. The identity they want to emulate may lead a very different
life and under different circumstances; the quality of the environ-
ment the role-model lives and his level of cultivation may also be
different. While some may believe that the best life is attained by
being rebellious and irresponsible, others, influenced by trends of
his environment, may believe that the best attitude is to be aloof and
arrogant.
21