Those who believe say: "How is it no Surah was revealed?" But when a categorical Surah is revealed that mentions war, you should see those who are sceptical staring at you like a man in the swoon of death. Alas the woe for them! 20 Were it to obey and say what is just, and when a matter is resolved on, it were best for them if they were true to Allah. 21 Then if you turn away, you are likely to spread corruption on the earth and sever your ties of kinship. 22 Those [who do so] are the ones that Allah has cursed, so He deafened them and blinded their vision. 23 Will they not, then, ponder over this Quran? Or are there locks upon their 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 [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 shall it be, when the angels take them, beating their faces and their backs? 27 for their following that which had incurred God's anger, and their hatred to please God. Thus, God has made their deeds devoid of all virtue. 28