It is clear from revelation that specific acts, such as backbiting or mocking, have spiritual consequences. However, this ayah shows something else: even acts that are not religious in nature have spiritual consequences. This ayah was revealed in Madinah when the Prophet (pbuh) and the believers had already gone to war against the polytheists of Makkah several times. In warfare even today, each side seeks to collect intelligence from the other for the purpose of espionage. This may be used for influence and to spread propaganda and misinformation, which can lead to national and international conflicts. We have witnessed many lives being lost because of information warfare. This ayah is part of a long passage of descriptions of the behaviour of the hypocrites. Allah says: 'When any news that has to do with peace or fear comes to them, they broadcast it' - that is to say that whether the news is good or bad, if it is untrue and spreads, it can cause great damage. Consider that in the context of warfare, the enemy can take advantage of a false sense of security that has taken hold, just as they can exploit hysteria that has overcome the general public. This is a reminder that one should not rush to spread news without weighing it: thinking of the implications, and whether or not they have received the entire story. Note, very importantly, that it is not the intent that is being criticized in this ayah: the person who shares news may well have good intentions like spreading awareness. It is, in fact, the hastiness with which news is spread that is criticized. Then Allah says (rough translation): 'And had they taken it back to the Messenger or those who have the qualification to make the right decisions / those who have the ability to grasp it for what it is would have known it.' The Qur’an is not asking people to verify the information with the Prophet as a religious act, but rather to consult him and others with expertise in those matters. The Qur’an does not forbid free speech, but it asks the believers to be responsible when they talk and when they share news, especially news that has serious consequences. Finally, Allah says: 'And had it not been for the favor of Allah on all of you and His love and care, you all would end up following the devil, except a few.' We might expect the consequence of spreading false information to be called 'following falsehood', but Allah goes further and equates it with following the devil! This is because false information and news creates hatred, biases, stereotypes and many more negative effects for the society at large. No wonder it was a choice method of the hypocrites - may Allah save us from imitating any of their traits.

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pray for me I am losing my steadfastness in my faith depression losing control over worldy affairs and religion pray that Allah guides me pls I may be of those who are a hypocrite and blinded by the truth by Allah it may be my only hope if you pray for me

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