Translation: Behold, you received it on your tongues, and said out
of your mouths things of which you had no knowledge;
and you thought it to be a light matter, while it was
most serious in the sight of Allah. 2968
Commentary:
2968 There are three things here reprobated by way of spiritual teaching: (1) if
others speak an evil word, that is no reason why you should allow it to defile your
tongue; (2) if you get a thought or suspicion which is not based on your certain
knowledge, do not give it currency by giving it expression; and (3) others may
think it is a small matter to speak lightly of something which blasts a person's
character or reputation: in the eyes of Allah it is a most serious matter in any case,
but specially when it involves the honour and reputation of pious women.
2968 There are three things here reprobated by way of spiritual teaching: (1) if others speak an evil word, that is no reason why you should allow it to defile your tongue; (2) if you get a thought or suspicion which is not based on your certain knowledge, do not give it currency by giving it expression; and (3) others may think it is a small matter to speak lightly of something which blasts a person's character or reputation: in the eyes of Allah it is a most serious matter in any case, but specially when it involves the honour and reputation of pious women.