Islam - Its Meaning for Modern Man — Page 299
299 Experience shows that a too ready credence of rumours, and their wide publicity, may cause grave repercussions in the sphere of international relations. These rumours may have their origin in deliberate mischief or may be the product of a too active imagination, but the harm done might sometimes be serious. The Quran warns Muslims to be extremely careful in this respect. They are told to apply a rigorous test to everything that may emanate from a source not completely dependable and trustworthy, for carelessness in this respect might not only give rise to tension but entail grave consequences. “O ye who believe, if news comes to you from an untrustworthy source, examine it carefully, lest you do harm to a people in ignorance and then be sorry for what you did” (49:7). The tendency to broadcast all manner of news, even news that might have the effect of disturbing people’s minds and agitating public opinion, is deprecated. “When there comes to them a matter of security or of fear they publish it widely: whereas if they were to refer it to the Prophet and to those in authority among them, those of them whose business it is to investigate would ascertain the truth of the matter. Were it not for the Grace of God upon you, and His Mercy, you would certainly have gone astray, except a few” (4:84). The verse does not deprecate merely the publishing of an irresponsible rumour or a