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 and a civil word. Then, when the matter is determined, if they are loyal to Allah it will be well for them. 21 If you ignore the commands of God would you then also spread evil in the land and sever the ties of kinship? 22 Such are those whom God has rejected, making their ears deaf and their eyes blind. 23 Will they not, then, ponder over this Quran? Or are there locks upon their hearts? 24 Surely, those who turn their backs [on this message] after guidance has been shown to them, [do it because] Satan has embellished their fancies and God gives them respite; 25 This is because they have said to those who hate God's revelation, "We shall obey you in some matters." But God knows all their secrets. 26 How shall it be when the angels (of death) take them and beat them on their face and back? 27 That is because they have followed a way that angered Allah, and have been averse to His good pleasure. So He reduced all their works to nought. 28