Those who perpetrated the slander are a band of you. Do not consider it bad for you, but it is good for you. Each person among them bears his share in the sin. As for him who played the major role—for him is a terrible punishment.
Why, when you heard about it, the believing men and women did not think well of one another, and say, "This is an obvious lie"?
Why did they not bring four witnesses to testify to it? If they fail to bring the witnesses, then in Allah's sight, they are liars.
Were it not for Allah's favor upon you, and His mercy, in this world and the Hereafter, you would have suffered a great punishment for what you have ventured into.
When you rumored it with your tongues, and spoke with your mouths what you had no knowledge of, and you considered it trivial; but according to Allah, it is serious.
When you heard it, you should have said, "It is not for us to repeat this. By Your glory, this is a serious slander."
Allah cautions you never to return to the like of it, if you are believers.
Allah explains the Verses to you. Allah is Knowing and Wise.
Those who love to see immorality spread among the believers—for them is a painful punishment, in this life and in the Hereafter. Allah knows, and you do not know.
Were it not for Allah's grace upon you, and His mercy, and that Allah is Clement and Merciful.
