What is the ruling on one who uses proverbs and quotes Quranic verses as a joke, which bears no relation to the meaning of the verse, and does he apostatize by doing so even if he did not intend to mock? Is he excused by ignorance? And what is the ruling on one who involuntarily smiles upon hearing such instances after knowing that they lead to apostasy?

The Quran must be glorified and protected from anything that does not befit it, such as using it for jests or lighthearted examples. However, not every joke involving the Quran is considered mockery. Mockery is defined as ridicule and disdain. Not all laughter when discussing sacred religious matters constitutes disbelief (kufr). It is advisable to avoid excessive scrupulosity (waswasah) in this matter, as it is a grave illness, and indulging in it leads one to confusion and pathological doubt.