( وَاتَّقُوا فِتْنَةً ) (And fear a trial): Believers should set a barrier between themselves and the makers of discord (fitnah). Trial is defined as a discord, test, or temptation. Allah (swt) says:

 وَالْفِتْنَةُ أَشَدُّ مِنَ الْقَتْلِ

(and fitnah is worse than killing) (Al-Baqara: 191)

In another verse, He (swt) says:

 وَالْفِتْنَةُ أَكْبَرُ مِنَ الْقَتْلِ

(And fitnah is greater than killing) (Al-Baqara: 217)

The fitnah, or trial, shakes the foundations of societies and individuals, blinding both eyes and hearts, preventing people from seeing the truth. It is very important to stand firmly against those causing discord from the beginning, to prevent it from spreading and harming everyone.

( لَّا تُصِيبَنَّ الَّذِينَ ظَلَمُوا مِنكُمْ خَاصَّةً ) (which will not strike those who have wronged among you exclusively): The trials affects the entire society, as is evident in any societal upheaval. The righteous may suffer due to the actions of the troublemakers, thus it is very important to taking firm measures against those who stir discord within any community.

( وَاعْلَمُوا أَنَّ اللَّهَ شَدِيدُ الْعِقَابِ ) (and know that Allah is severe in penalty): Indeed, Allah (swt) is severe in punishment, and to Him (swt) is the final destination. Allah (swt) is well aware of people’s deeds, for He (swt) says:

 وَلَقَدْ خَلَقْنَا الْإِنسَانَ وَنَعْلَمُ مَا تُوَسْوِسُ بِهِ نَفْسُهُ ۖ وَنَحْنُ أَقْرَبُ إِلَيْهِ مِنْ حَبْلِ الْوَرِيدِ

(And We have already created man and know what his soul whispers to him, and We are closer to him than [his] jugular vein) (Qaaf: 16)

Allah (swt) is severe in punishment, He is the Watchful, the All-Reckoning, and a meticulous judge of actions. Therefore, it is upon individuals to safeguard themselves and their communities, to ward off discord, and not remain silent in the face of those who incite it within society.