Those who brought up that slander were a band from among you. Do not regard it as a misfortune, for it is good for you. Every one of them shall be held to account for the sin he has committed; and he who took the greater part in it shall have a terrible punishment. 11 Why did the faithful men and women not think well of their people when they heard this, and said: "This is a clear lie?" 12 Why did they not bring four witnesses of it? But as they have not brought witnesses they are liars before Allah. 13 Had it not been for the grace of God and His mercy on you in this world and the Hereafter, a terrible punishment would have afflicted you for your plunging headlong into slander. 14 Behold, ye received it on your tongues, and said out of your mouths things of which ye had no knowledge; and ye thought it to be a light matter, while it was most serious in the sight of Allah. 15 And why, when you heard it, did you not say, "It is not for us to speak of this. Exalted are You, [O Allah]; this is a great slander"? 16 Allah admonishes you that you should not return to the like of it ever again if you are believers. 17 God explains His commands to you clearly, for God is all-knowing and all-wise. 18 There is painful punishment in this world and the next for those who like that immorality should spread among the believers, for God knows and you do not know. 19 But for the grace of God and His mercy (much harm would have been done); yet God is compassionate and kind. 20