Those who have invented the slander, are some of your own people. You should not, however, regard this matter as evil for it has good in it for you. Whoso took any part in this, he earned his share of the sin accordingly, and the one, who had the greatest share of responsibility in it, shall have a terrible punishment. 11 Why was it not that the believing men and women, when you heard it, thought good of their own people, and had said, “This is a clear accusation”? 12 Why did they not produce four witnesses? Since they (the slanderers) have not produced witnesses! Then with Allah they are the liars. 13 Were it not for the favors and mercy of God upon you, in this world and in the life to come, a great torment would strike you for your involvement in this false report. 14 When ye were publishing it with your tongues and saying that with your mouths of which ye had no knowledge. Ye deemed it light, and it was with Allah mighty! 15 When you heard it, why did you not say, "It is not right for us to speak of this. God forbid! This is a monstrous slander." 16 God advises you never to do such things again if you have any faith. 17 And Allah makes the Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) plain to you, and Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise. 18 As for those, who like that indecency should spread among the Believers, they deserve a painful punishment in this world and in the Hereafter, for Allah knows and you do not know (its consequences). 19 And were it not for Allah's grace on you and His mercy, and that Allah is Compassionate, Merciful. 20