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 a gentle word (was proper); but when the affair becomes settled, then if they remain true to Allah it would certainly be better for them. 21 [Ask them:] "Would you, perchance, after having turned away [from God's commandment, prefer to revert to your old ways, and] spread corruption on earth, and [once again] cut asunder your ties of kinship?" 22 Such are they whom Allah has cursed, so that He has made them deaf and blinded their sight. 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, because they said to those who hate what Allah has revealed, "We will obey you in part of (this) matter"; but Allah knows their (inner) secrets. 26 Then how [will it be] when the angels take them in death, striking their faces and their backs? 27 because they followed the way that made God wrathful, and hated to adopt the way of His pleasure? So He made their actions come to nothing. 28