The believers ask: 'Has a chapter been sent down' But when a clear chapter is sent down and fighting is mentioned in it, you see those in whose hearts is sickness looking towards you as one who swoons at death. 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 So would you perhaps, if you turned away, cause corruption on earth and sever your [ties of] relationship? 22 Such are they whom Allah curseth so that He deafeneth them and maketh blind their eyes. 23 What, do they not ponder the Koran? Or is it that there are locks upon their hearts? 24 Verily, those who have turned back (have apostated) as disbelievers after the guidance has been manifested to them, Shaitan (Satan) has beautified for them (their false hopes), and (Allah) prolonged their term (age). 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 How terrible it will be for them when the angels take away their souls by striking their faces and their backs. 27 That is because they have followed a way that angered Allah, and have been averse to His good pleasure. So He reduced all their works to nought. 28