Because of their isolation, they were completely ignorant of the outside world that surrounded them, and also ignorant of the teachings of their religion. Ahmad Hassanein mentioned that Ibn al-Sittumi found them in the depths of misguidance, exposed to the danger of spiritual and moral decay. In reality, as he says, they were not alone in this description, but rather with the rest of the Islamic world at that time. Hassanein's statement contains some exaggeration and lack of comprehensive understanding, because despite their ignorance, which led them to the depths of misguidance, they possessed good morals.

Their ignorance of Islam, which is their religion, stemmed from their lack of knowledge of most of its teachings and their failure to adhere to most of its commands. For example, they did not pray, and whoever prayed among them did not perform it in the known manner, but rather altered it. Few of them had memorized verses from the Quran. Despite this ignorance, they clung to some Islamic teachings strongly, such as fasting, which they observed. They also fought in the path of God when called upon to do so, and they inherited some Islamic traditions and followed them, considering them traditions rather than religious teachings.

On the contrary, this ignorance does not mean a lack of pride in their religion. They felt proud to be Muslims and thanked God that they were followers of the religion of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). They considered themselves superior to Christians and Jews. They believed in Islam, but were ignorant of most of its teachings.

In general, and for anyone who could understand their feelings and ignorance, they were proud.