“Do not follow that of which you have no knowledge. Surely the hearing, the sight, the heart—each of these shall be called to account.”
(Al Qur’ān – 17:37)
This ayat was revealed during the Makkan period and the objective here is that people should be guided by knowledge rather than conjecture both in their individual and collective lives. In fact, the ayat is part of a long and detailed list of requisitions necessarily required in the members of a community before going to lead others.
The ear, the eye and the heart are the gift of the Almighty and hence should be used for the betterment of His creature. The most important quality of a leader or a great personality is that he entertains everybody’s claim and keeps vigil on each occurrence. But, before jumping to any conclusion, he listens to what the heart suggests and responds to it in accordance with the Divine guidance because he knows that he is responsible for all his deeds and will be accounted for them.
The ear, the eye and the heart are three unique boons of Allah. If these would not be utilised cautiously, these may turn into banes. On another occasion, ayat 6 of chapter 49 of the Divine book reads, “Believers, when an ungodly person brings to you a piece of news, carefully ascertain its truth.” This verse is very important for media persons. They should think twice before taking a news item without authenticating its source. Also the ayat prohibits us from snooping of others and intruding into one’s privacy.