Those who brought forward the lie are a body among yourselves: think it not to be an evil to you; On the contrary it is good for you: to every man among them (will come the punishment) of the sin that he earned, and to him who took on himself the lead among them, will be a penalty grievous. 11 Had you heard it, and the believing men and women, thought good thoughts about one another said: 'This is a clear falsehood' 12 Would that they had brought four witnesses to testify to their report. Since they brought none, they are liars before God. 13 Were it not for the grace of God and His mercy upon you in this world and the next, you would have suffered a great affliction for the false accusation. 14 When you were propagating it with your tongues, and uttering with your mouths that whereof you had no knowledge, you counted it a little thing, while with Allah it was very great. 15 Would that on hearing this report, you had said, "We have nothing to say about it. God forbid! It is a serious accusation." 16 God advises you never to do such things again if you have any faith. 17 And Allah clearly explains the verses for you; and Allah is All Knowing, 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