What happens when false assumptions spread like wildfire—even among believers?

In this Jumu'ah khutbah delivered at the Islamic Center of Wheaton, Ustadh Nouman Ali Khan reflects on one of the most difficult moments in the life of the Prophet ﷺ: the slander against ʿAishah (RA), the Mother of the Believers.

Surah An-Nur was revealed in response, not just to defend her honor, but to guide the Muslim community on how to deal with rumors, assumptions and the quiet damage of careless words.

What began with a small group quickly became a community-wide crisis. Not because of open malice, but because many fell into the trap of “just sharing,” “just wondering,” or “just being concerned.”

These ayat are a powerful reminder: our words matter, our assumptions matter, and what we choose to repeat - whether we mean harm or not - can carry weight in the sight of Allah.