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 Would ye then, if ye were given the command, work corruption in the land and sever your ties of kinship? 22 Those are they whom Allah hath cursed, and then hath deafened them and blinded their sights. 23 Will they then not meditate on the Qur'an, or are there locks on the hearts? 24 Indeed, those who reverted back [to disbelief] after guidance had become clear to them - Satan enticed them and prolonged hope for them. 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 will it be when the angels draw out their souls striking their faces and their backs? 27 Because they followed what displeases God, and they were averse to pleasing Him. So We nullified their deeds. 28