Verily those who brought forward the calumny were a small band among you. Deem it not an evil for you; nay, it was good for you. Unto every one of them shall be that which he hath earned of the sin, and he among them who undertook the bulk of it - for him shall be a torment mighty. 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 produce four witnesses? Since they produce not witnesses, they verily are liars in the sight of Allah. 13 And were it not for Allah’s munificence and His mercy upon you in the world and in the Hereafter, a terrible punishment would have reached you for the discussions you fell into. 14 When you were spreading it with your tongues and saying with your mouths things of which you had no knowledge, you considered it to be a trivial matter, but, in God's sight, it was very serious. 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 advises you never to do such things again if you have any faith. 17 God explains the commandments to you. God is all knowing and wise. 18 Those who like to publicize indecency among the believers will face painful torment in this world and in the life to come. God knows what you do not know. 19 Were it not for the favor and mercy of God upon you (you would have faced painful punishment in this world and the life to come). God is Compassionate and Merciful. 20