The Religion Of The Ignorant

But the actions of those who disbelieve are like a mirage in the desert. A thirsty man thinks it is water but when he reaches it, he finds it to be nothing at all, but he finds Allah there. He will pay him his account in full. Allah is swift at reckoning. (Surat an-Nur, 39)

In terms of hopes, dreams and expectations, there is no difference between a male-female relationship lived according to the criteria of the Religion of the Ignorant and far from the approval of Allah, and a mirage, which looks highly attractive and adorned from a distance. When one encounters the truth, however, one sees that these expectations and dreams are hollow and worthless, full of trouble and tension. In the model described, people live in a manner that runs contrary to their true natures. In fact, a person will be pleased by the moral values revealed in the Qur'an and by those values being shown. Since the opposite behavior, words and deeds contradict this nature, they cause everyone unease and distress. For example, there are compassion, trust and tolerance in the love revealed in the Qur'an. In the love that prevails in Ignorantism, on the other hand, there is jealousy, ruthlessness and a general lack of respect.

This conception of love needs to be avoided rather than chased after. The right thing to do is to act in the light of the human nature created by Allah, to show compassion and nourish love.

THE PSYCHOLOGY OF "MARRIAGE"
 IN IGNORANTISM

In Ignorantism, the marriages begin when young men and women reach a certain age. Their parents now wish to see their children "settled down" and to reap the rewards of all their years of hard work. Unlike mere courting, marriages in the Religion of the Ignorant generally do not begin with becoming naturally acquainted.

Since it is thought that men and women of a certain age need to get married, a number of methods try to bring this about. If people are unsuccessful in this, then it is thought the responsibility falls to their families, relatives and friends. The courting period we discussed earlier is regarded as a step toward marriage. If people make poor use of this, then artificial meetings and arrangements are set up. There are well-known and experts in this field, people well known for bringing young people together. Usually of advanced age themselves, they seek out cultured young people with suitable wealth and attractiveness who live in a suitable part of town. Just about every family knows such a person.

The introductory stage of the marriage period is thus initiated. Once introductions have been arranged, the two sides begin examining each other under the magnifying glass in the manner taught them by their families. The time has now come to repay the efforts invested in them by their families since they were very young. A good marriage is essential, both for one's immediate circle, for oneself and for one's family. Once they have met, if the two sides regard each other's social status, clothes, makes of cars and addresses as suitable, dinner and a date are set up. The process of selecting clothes for this date is rather lengthy. Both parties spend a long time wondering what to wear. Indeed, their friends and family also involve themselves in the process, and the outfit to be worn is a joint decision.

Not much time is required for the parties to be convinced on the subject of marriage. The woman will marry if she thinks that the man is sufficiently well off. The man needs to be convinced that she will represent him properly in business or social circles, and will make a good impression on his arm. An engagement is decided on, which means society's validation of dating.

Right from the outset, insincerity is the distinguishing feature of the whole business. The man stretches his limited means by purchasing flowers and gifs, trying to impress the girl and her family that he is prosperous and generous. Marrying her depends on creating a good impression about his financial means. There is absolutely no hesitation over expenditure in this period, because any costs incurred now will be returned to the couple in the form of a house, money, clothes, and prestige. The family soon sets up a kind of public-opinion poll regarding the prospective bridegroom. Everybody's thoughts concerning him are canvassed. The real aim is to find an answer to the question of Is this candidate well liked by everyone around? Information is obtained about the prospective groom's income level and property, and is shared. If his financial position is sound, then his external appearances and moral values are much less important.