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 Since they have (pledged) Us obedience and to speak reasonably, it would be more proper for them, when it is decided (that everyone must take part in the battle), to remain true (in their pledge to God). 21 Would you then, if you were given the authority, do mischief in the land, and sever your ties of kinship? 22 Such are those whom God has rejected, making their ears deaf and their eyes blind. 23 Will they not then contemplate on the Koran? Or are there locks upon their hearts! 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 This, because they said to those who hate what Allah has revealed, "We will obey you in part of (this) matter"; but Allah knows their (inner) secrets. 26 But how will they fare when angels will take their souls at death and will carry them, striking their faces and backs? 27 That is because they followed that which angered Allah and detested His good-will; so He made their works of non-effect. 28