The Religion Of The Ignorant

For example, when people must talk to someone they've fallen out with, they assume a very cold expression, making it quite clear they have no respect for that person. As one listens, lowering one's eyelids and opening them very slowly when a subject not to one's liking is brought up, is another tactic in Ignorantism.

One's eyes can also hold a mocking look designed to make it clear how much one despises someone else. This method assumes the form of laughing with one's eyes while one's face remains expressionless. Someone who appears to be listening very seriously to what another has to say, but whose eyes are full of laughter, is actually saying, "Keep on talking, but what you are saying is going in one ear and out of the other."

7- BEING CLOSED TO NEW IDEAS AND

CRITICISM

In terms of character and moral values, a person who lives by the Religion of the Ignorant can never register any progress through life. The Ignorantism places a strict ban on new ideas and criticism. It is almost impossible to criticize or suggest new ideas to someone older, richer, more cultured, in a higher position, more attractive or more experienced than oneself. Indeed, so strict are the rules in this regard that friendships that have lasted 20 or 30 years can come to an end, never to be restored, as the result of a single criticism.

For example, in the Religion of the Ignorant, it is exceedingly humiliating for anyone to be told about his behavior, moral values, character or gestures by another party. That is why in the society of the ignorant, you'll generally never see anyone asking anyone else's opinion or seeking their advice.

It is almost impossible, for instance, to hear such questions as, "Is there anything in my character you don't like? Can you see any flaws in the way I laugh, or walk, or in my facial expressions? Do you have any advice to give me about my personality? How could I be easier to get on with or more beloved?" or, "What do you think of my taste in clothes? Have you any advice you could give me as one listens?" That is in total contradiction of Ignorantism for someone to seek to improve himself by seeking advice from others. Everyone regards himself as the best, the most cultured, the most refined and the most intelligent. Even if he knows he has flaws and needs to work on himself, he'll never want to let those around him know.

The Religion of the Ignorant is completely against seeking advice and criticism. Consider, for example, a doctor or engineer who's an expert in his own field. If a client says that he has received a different opinion from another professional, the answer will inevitably be along the lines of, "In that case, go to him." Experts in their own field are generally reluctant to take advice from their colleagues and want clients to act on their own recommendations.

Under this belief, it's impossible for someone to take kindly to criticism from anyone younger—a nephew, for example. Practically no young person can make any suggestions about the character of his aunt or uncle. A youngster who wants some relative to be more patient, tolerant or more considerate will likely meet with a mocking, indifferent or angry reaction. People who answer, "I am not about to take advice from someone your age," imagine they need no help from anyone younger. But a young person with proper morals and deep faith can be a great deal more intelligent and spiritually mature, and have a finer conscience, than an older person without faith.

Indeed, the words spoken by the Prophet Ibrahim (as) to call his father to the true path, as revealed in the Qur'an, set an example: