Those who believe say: "How is it no Surah was revealed?" But when a categorical Surah is revealed that mentions war, you should see those who are sceptical staring at you like a man in the swoon of death. Alas the woe for them! 20 Yet obedience and honorable words (would be better for them). Then, when the matter is decided, if they were true to Allah it would be better for them. 21 So would you perhaps, if you turned away, cause corruption on earth and sever your [ties of] relationship? 22 Those are they whom Allah hath cursed, and then hath deafened them and blinded their sights. 23 Do they not then reflect on the Quran? Nay, on the hearts there are locks. 24 Verily those who have apostated on their backs after the guidance had become manifest unto them, the devil hath embellished this apostacy for them and hath given them false hopes. 25 This is because they said to those who dislike what Allah has sent down, “We will obey you regarding one matter*”; and Allah knows their secrets. (* To fight against the Holy Prophet). 26 But how (will it be) when the angels take their souls at death, and smite their faces and their backs? 27 Because they followed what displeases God, and they were averse to pleasing Him. So We nullified their deeds. 28