One of the proofs that a person is truly in the right (1) is that he is fair when he praises and fair when he censures: desire does not drive him—when he attains what he wants—to excessive eulogy, nor does desire—when his aim is thwarted—lead him to forget the distinctions (2) and merits, or to list only faults and defects.

Thus, whether angry or content, the man of truth remains steady in commending whomever he has praised and in reproving whomever he has blamed.

By contrast, whoever compiles a booklet enumerating the blemishes (3) of this man—who ⦗113⦘ embodies such complete qualities amid the various groups of this wayward world in this dark age—then adds a few of his virtues, though it is clear the virtues are not the objective but merely a cover for those blemishes; who then takes the booklet, reads it to his companions one by one in secret, diverting their concern (4) away from their shaykh and showing them disparagement of him (5)—for such a person I seek Allah’s guidance and apply my best judgment. In defense of one who supports Allah’s religion amid the enemies of Allah at the opening of the eighth century AH, I say that aiding someone like this