NOW THOSE who have attained to faith say: "Would that a revelation [allowing us to fight] was bestowed from on high!" But now that a revelation clear in and by itself, mentioning war, has been bestowed from on high, thou canst see those in whose hearts is disease looking at thee, [O Muhammad,] with the look of one who is about to faint for fear of death! And yet, far better for them would be 20 Obedience and a gentle word (was proper); but when the affair becomes settled, then if they remain true to Allah it would certainly be better for them. 21 Then if you turn away, you are likely to spread corruption on the earth and sever your ties of kinship. 22 Those it is whom Allah has cursed so He has made them deaf and blinded their eyes. 23 Will they not, then, ponder over this Qur'an? - or are there locks upon their hearts? 24 VERILY, those who turn their backs [on this message] after guidance has been vouchsafed to them, [do it because] Satan has embellished their fancies and filled them with false hopes: 25 That is because they say to those averse to what Allah has sent down 'We shall obey you in some of the matters' Allah knows their secrets. 26 Then how will it be when the angels take their souls, beating them on their faces and their backs, 27 That is because they followed what angered Allah and disliked [what earns] His pleasure, so He rendered worthless their deeds. 28