Staying Silent Is Better Than Being an Accomplice

Imam al-Dhahabi states in his Tareekh al-Islam, vol. 3, p. 642:

وفي الخلفاء وآبائهم وأهلهم قومٌ أعرض أهل الجرح والتعديل عن كشف حالهم خوفًا من السيف والضرب، وما زال هذا في كُلِّ دولةٍ قائمة يصفُ المؤرِّخ محاسِنَها، ويُغضي عن مساوئها، هذا إذا كان المُؤرخ ذا دينٍ وخير، فإن كان مدَّاحًا مُداهنًا لم يلتفت إلى الورع بل ربما أخرج مساوئ الكبير وهناته في هيئة المدح والمكارم والعظمة، فلا قوة إلا بالله

”In the case of some caliphs, their fathers, and their families, scholars of criticism and validation refrained from investigating their true condition due to fear of punishment by sword or beating. This has been a recurring practice in every reigning dynasty, where the historian praises its virtues while turning a blind eye to its faults. This applies if the historian is religious and virtuous; however, if they are flatterers seeking favor, they do not concern themselves with piety. Instead, they may present the flaws and errors of the powerful as praiseworthy traits of nobility and greatness. There is no power except through Allah.”