The believers used to say: “Why is a surah (that would ordain fighting) not revealed?” But when a definitive surah was revealed wherein fighting was mentioned, you saw that those in whose hearts there was a sickness looked at you as though they were about to faint at the approach of death. Pity on them! 20 obedience [to God's call] and a word that could win [His] approval: for, since the matter has been resolved [by His revelation,] it would be but for their own good to remain true to God. 21 Then, belike ye are, if ye turn, to cause corruption in the earth and to sever your kinship. 22 Such are those whom God has rejected, making their ears deaf and their eyes blind. 23 Ponder then they not on the Qur'an, or are on the hearts locks thereof? 24 Those who have turned back in their traces after the guidance has become clear to them, Satan it was that tempted them, and God respited them. 25 because they say to those who abhor what God has revealed, "We will obey you in some matters." God knows their secrets. 26 Then how will it be when the angels take their souls, beating them on their faces and their backs, 27 This because they followed that which called forth the Wrath of Allah, and they hated Allah's good pleasure; so He made their deeds of no effect. 28