Those who spread lies were a clique among you. Do not think that it was bad for you: In fact it has been good for you. Each of them will pay for the sin he has committed, and he who had greater share (of guilt) will suffer grievous punishment. 11 Why do not the believing men and women, whenever such [a rumour] is heard, think the best of one another and say: "This is an obvious falsehood"? 12 Why, did they not bring four witnesses against it? But since they did not bring the witnesses, before Allah they are the liars. 13 Had it not been for the Grace of Allah and His Mercy unto you in this world and in the Hereafter, a great torment would have touched you for that whereof you had spoken. 14 When you received it on your tongues, and were speaking with your mouths that whereof you had no knowledge, and reckoned it a light thing, and with God it was a mighty thing -- 15 And why was it not that, when you heard it, you would have said, “It does not befit us to speak regarding this; Purity is to You, O Allah – this is a great accusation.” 16 God counsels you not to do a thing like this, if you are believers. 17 And He expoundeth unto you the revelations. Allah is Knower, Wise. 18 Indeed those who wish that slander should spread among the Muslims – for them is a painful punishment in this world and in the Hereafter; and Allah knows, and you do not know. 19 And if it had not been for the favor of Allah upon you and His mercy... and because Allah is Kind and Merciful. 20