O you who have believed, avoid much [negative] assumption. Indeed, some assumption is sin. And do not spy or backbite each other. Would one of you like to eat the flesh of his brother when dead? You would detest it. And fear Allāh; indeed, Allāh is Accepting of Repentance and Merciful.
فَكَرِهۡتُمُوهُۚNay, you would hate itfakarih'tumūhu
وَٱتَّقُواْAnd fear Allahwa-ittaqū
ٱللَّهَۚAnd fear Allahl-laha
إِنَّindeedinna
ٱللَّهَAllahl-laha
تَوَّابٞ(is) Oft-Returningtawwābun
رَّحِيمٞMost Mercifulraḥīmun
Tafsir
O those who have faith in Allah and act upon what He has legislated! Stay away from most suspicions which are not based on causes and indications that give them credence, because some suspicions are sinful, like suspecting one who is apparently pious. And do not persue the faults of believers behind their backs, nor mention another in a manner he dislikes, because mentioning him in a manner he dislikes is like eating his flesh whilst he is dead. Do any of you wish to eat the flesh of his dead brother? Therefore, abhor backbiting him because it is like that. And be mindful of Allah by fulfilling His commands and refrain from that which He has prohibited. Indeed, Allah Forgiving of those of His servants who repent; merciful to them.