Not divulging information of a disquieting or reassuring nature

In a society which the morals of the Qur’an are experienced, Allah instructs the conveyance of all kinds of information concerning Muslims directly or indirectly about a possible harm or benefit to the authority who is in the best position to interpret it:

When news of any matter reaches them they spread it about, whether it is of a reassuring or disquieting nature. If they had only referred it to the messenger and those in command among them, those among them able to discern the truth about it would have had proper knowledge of it. If it were not for Allah’s favor to you and His mercy, all but a very few of you would have followed satan. (Surat an-Nisa’; 83)

There are many drawbacks to spreading information among people. First, the information in question may not reach the proper authority, or if it does, after passing through several channels, it will most probably become corrupted and may delay a matter that needs urgent attention. Second, the spread of information better kept confidential allows unbelievers and hypocrites to become aware of it. Using this information, they can cause harm or render a precaution ineffective.

Therefore, it is obligatory to immediately inform those in authority who are most capable of making the best interpretations, formulating pertinent decisions and ensuring the necessary precautions.

A believer possesses wisdom and awareness that will enable him to recognize information of a reassuring or disquieting nature and then communicate it promptly to the appropriate authorities. Increase in the number of wise believers who possess this understanding will cause the morals of the Qur’an to spread.