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 (They keep affirming their) obedience and saying good words. But when a course of action was clearly determined, it would have been better for them if they had proved true to Allah. 21 Then, belike ye are, if ye turn, to cause corruption in the earth and to sever your kinship. 22 Such are those whom Allah has cursed, making them deaf and blinding their eyes. 23 Do they, then, not reflect on the Qur'an? Or are there locks on their hearts? 24 Surely (as for) those who return on their backs after that guidance has become manifest to them, the Shaitan has made it a light matter to them; and He gives them respite. 25 That is because they say to those who hate what Allah has revealed: We will obey you in some of the affairs; and Allah knows their secrets. 26 Then how (will it be) when the angels will take their souls at death, smiting their faces and their backs? 27 That is because they follow what angers Allah and hate His pleasure, therefore He has annulled their deeds. 28