(83) “Whenever news concerning security or fear comes to them, they spread it. Had they referred it to the Messenger and to those in authority among them, those among them capable of drawing sound conclusions from it would have known what to make of it. Were it not for Allah’s favor upon you and His mercy, you would have followed Satan, except for a few.”

Here Allah corrects His servants for such unbecoming conduct. When news reaches them concerning important matters and public interests—whether relating to security and something that brings joy to the believers, or to a danger involving a calamity for them—they should verify it and not hasten to spread it. Instead, they should refer it to the Messenger and to those in authority among them: people of sound judgment, knowledge, sincere counsel, reason, and composure, who understand affairs and can distinguish what is beneficial from what is not. If they determine that broadcasting it would be beneficial—bolstering and gladdening the believers and helping them guard against their enemies—they should do so. If, however, they see no benefit in it (1), or if it carries some benefit but its harm outweighs that benefit, they should not broadcast it. This is why He says: “those among them capable of drawing sound conclusions from it would have known what to make of it.” That is, they arrive at the proper conclusion through reflection, sound judgment, and rightly guided knowledge.

This establishes a principle of proper conduct: whenever a matter arises that requires investigation, it should be entrusted to someone qualified for it and referred to the appropriate experts; others should not presume to act before them. That is more likely to lead to what is right and to safeguard against error. It also prohibits haste and impulsiveness in spreading matters as soon as they are heard, and commands deliberation before speaking and consideration of whether doing so serves a benefit. If it does, one should proceed; if not, one should refrain.

Then the Exalted says: “Were it not for Allah’s favor upon you and His mercy”—that is, by granting you success, refining your conduct, and teaching you what you did not know—“you would have followed Satan, except for a few.” For man is by nature unjust and ignorant, and his soul commands him to nothing but evil. But if he seeks refuge with his Lord, holds fast to Him, and strives earnestly to do so, his Lord treats him with gracious care, grants him success in every good, and protects him from the accursed Satan.