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 Would you then, if you were given the authority, do mischief in the land, and sever your ties of kinship? 22 Such are they whom Allah curseth so that He deafeneth them and maketh blind their eyes. 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 That is because they said unto those who detest that which Allah hath revealed: we shall obey you in part of the affair; and Allah knoweth their talking in secret. 26 Then how [will it be] when the angels take them in death, striking 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