20 Preface وَلَولا فَضلُ اللَّهِ عَلَيكُم وَرَحمَتُهُ وَأَنَّ اللَّهَ رَءوفٌ رَحيمٌYusuf AliWere it not for the grace and mercy of God on you, and that God is full of kindness and mercy, (ye would be ruined indeed).1Note the refrain that comes four times in this passage, “Were it not for the grace and mercy of God. . .” Each time it has a different application. (1) In 24:10, it was in connection with the accusation of infidelity by one of the spouses against the other: they were both reminded of God’s mercy and warned against suspicion and untruth. (2) In 24:14, the Believers were told to be wary of false rumours lest they should cause pain and division among themselves: it is God’s grace that keeps them united. (3) Here is an admonition for the future: there may be conspiracies and snares laid by Evil against simple people: it is God’s grace that protects them. (4) In 24:21, the general warning is directed to the observation of purity in act and in thought, concerning one’s self and concerning others: it is only God’s grace that can keep that purity spotless, for He hears prayers and knows of all the snares that are spread in the path of the good.