Loving for indecency to spread among the believers carries two possible meanings:

1. The first is to desire that indecency become rampant in the Muslim community at large. This includes those who broadcast lewd films and publish vile, licentious papers; such people—without doubt—long for immorality to permeate Muslim society. Their aim is to tempt the believer away from his religion through the material circulated in these magazines, corrupt obscene films, and the like.

   Likewise, enabling these individuals while one has the power to stop them is encompassed by the statement, “Indeed, those who love that indecency should spread among the believers…” [al-Nur: 19]. Whoever can prevent these magazines and obscene films yet permits their circulation within the Muslim community is counted among those who love that indecency spread among the believers. “For them is a painful punishment in this world and in the Hereafter,” that is, a torment that is grievous both here and in the next life.

   Accordingly, every Muslim must beware of such newspapers, avoid them, and keep them out of the home, for they breed corruption—first the corruption of character, which is followed by the corruption of religion. When morals are ruined, religions are ruined. We ask Allah for well-being.

2. The second meaning is to wish that indecency be attributed to a specific individual rather than to the entire Muslim society. This person too will face a painful punishment in this world and the Hereafter—such as someone who wants immorality to be attached to a certain man, say Zayd, for some reason. He likewise incurs a grievous punishment in both realms, all the more so regarding the one for whose vindication the verse was revealed, the Mother of the Believers, ʿĀʾishah (may Allah be pleased with her); for this verse occurs in the midst of verses