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 obedience, and words honourable. Then, when the matter is resolved, if they were true to God, it would be better for them. 21 Could it be, that if you turn away, you might make corruption in the land and break the ties of kinship? 22 Those are they whom Allah hath cursed, and then hath deafened them and blinded their sights. 23 Will they not, then, ponder over this Qur'an? - 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 That is because they say to those averse to what Allah has sent down 'We shall obey you in some of the matters' Allah knows their secrets. 26 hence, how [will they fare] when the angels gather them in death, striking their faces and their backs? 27 That is because they follow what is displeasing to Allah and are averse to His pleasure, therefore He has made null their deeds. 28