NOW THOSE who have attained to faith say: "Would that a revelation [allowing us to fight] was bestowed from on high!" But now that a revelation clear in and by itself, mentioning war, has been bestowed from on high, thou canst see those in whose hearts is disease looking at thee, [O Muhammad,] with the look of one who is about to faint for fear of death! And yet, far better for them would be 20 Since they have (pledged) Us obedience and to speak reasonably, it would be more proper for them, when it is decided (that everyone must take part in the battle), to remain true (in their pledge to God). 21 Would ye then, if ye were given the command, work corruption in the land and sever your ties of kinship? 22 Those it is whom Allah has cursed so He has made them deaf and blinded their eyes. 23 Then do they not reflect upon the Qur'an, or are there locks upon [their] hearts? 24 Surely, those who turn their backs [on this message] after guidance has been shown to them, [do it because] Satan has embellished their fancies and God gives them respite; 25 [they do turn their backs on it] inasmuch as they are wont to say unto those who abhor all that God has revealed, "We will comply with your views on some points." But God knows their secret thoughts: 26 How then shall it be when the angels shall take them away at death smiting 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