Do Not Confuse Apathy for Tolerance
Do not confuse apathy for tolerance, for many people only come across as open-minded and tolerant on subjects they are neither well-informed nor even passionate about. This is because they do not care what the correct opinion is. Moreover, they cannot make an informed decision regarding the validity of a person’s stance on that given topic because of their ignorance. As a result, their ignorance and apathy manifest themselves outwardly in the form of toleration for other views.
I have seen this happen countlessly. You see some students of knowledge unconcerned with aqeedah and theological differences between schools being harsh with people who disagree with them on something minor in the hadeeth sciences or on fiqhi methodology, as those disciplines are dearer to them.
Some people would tolerate some of the most outrageous political stances yet blast someone who displays poor adab because having good character is more important to them than colluding with tyrants and promoting secularism.
Some people would pop a vein if they hear someone make a grammatical mistake, rather than, say, using foul language, since the Arabic language is more dear to them than adab.
Do you want to know if you are genuinely “tolerant”? Think of those subjects most precious and dear to you and assess how patient you are maintaining your composure, friendship, adab, etc., with the person who adopts a stance opposing the one you are firmly committed to.
When I say “tolerance,” I do not mean a hypocritical outward display of composure and intellectual maturity; rather, I mean true inner tolerance free of bitterness and other negative sentiments toward the other person.
Now rate yourself on the “open-mindedness and tolerance” scale and see how well you measure up. Are you still impressed with yourself?
Related Reading: The Wrong Motives For Religious Tolerance (substack.com)