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 Obedience and saying what is just would become them more; when the decision is taken, it would be better for them if they acted sincerely towards God. 21 Is it possible that if placed in authority you will create disorder in the land and sever your bonds of relationship? 22 It is these whom Allah has cursed, so He made them deaf to the Truth and blinded their eyes. 23 Do they not then reflect on the Quran? Nay, on the hearts there are locks. 24 Those who turn their backs after the way of guidance has been opened to them, have been surely tempted by Satan and beguiled by illusory hopes. 25 This is because they said to those who hate what Allah has sent down: "We will obey you in part of the matter," but Allah knows their secrets. 26 Then how [will it be] when the angels take them in death, striking their faces and their backs? 27 That is because they followed that which angered Allah, and hated that which pleased Him. So He made their deeds fruitless. 28