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 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 Now, if you were to turn away, what else can be expected but that you will work corruption in the land and fly at each other's throats? 22 Those [who do so] are the ones that Allah has cursed, so He deafened them and blinded their vision. 23 Will they then not meditate on the Qur'an, or are there locks on the hearts? 24 Those who turn back as apostates after Guidance was clearly shown to them,- the Evil One has instigated them and busied them up with false hopes. 25 because they say to those who abhor what God has revealed, "We will obey you in some matters." God knows their secrets. 26 So how (dreadful) will it be when the angels remove their souls, striking at their faces and their backs! 27 This because they followed that which called forth the Wrath of Allah, and they hated Allah's good pleasure; so He made their deeds of no effect. 28