"And when there comes to them a matter of security or fear, they spread it about."
Qatada said: When a matter of security comes to them—meaning, that their brothers are safe and triumphant—or fear—meaning, slaughter and defeat—they spread it about; that is, they disclose it. "And if they had referred it to the Messenger and to those in authority among them,"—those possessing knowledge among them—"then those who are capable of investigating it would have known it from them," meaning those who examine and are concerned with it. He says: They are more knowledgeable about where to offer gratitude in times of victory and security, and more knowledgeable about strategy in war.
﴿وَإِذَا جَاءَهُمْ أَمْرٌ مِنَ الأَمْنِ أَو الْخَوْف أذاعوا بِهِ﴾
قَالَ قَتَادَة: إِذا جَاءَهُم أَمر من الْأَمْن - أَي: من أَن إخْوَانهمْ آمنون ظاهرون - أَو الْخَوْف - يَعْنِي: الْقَتْل والهزيمة - أذاعوا بِهِ؛ أَي: أفشوه. ﴿وَلَوْ رَدُّوهُ إِلَى الرَّسُولِ وَإِلَى أولي الْأَمر مِنْهُم﴾ أولي الْعلم مِنْهُم. ﴿لَعَلِمَهُ الَّذِينَ يستنبطونه مِنْهُم﴾ الَّذِينَ يفحصون عَنهُ، ويهمهم ذَلِكَ، يَقُولُ: إِذَا كَانُوا أعلم بِموضع الشُّكْر فِي النَّصْر والأمن، وَأعلم بالمكيدة فِي الْحَرْب.
