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 civil word. Then, when the matter is determined, if they are loyal to Allah it will be well for them. 21 Then, is it to be expected of you, if ye were put in authority, that ye will do mischief in the land, and break your ties of kith and kin? 22 God has condemned these people and made them deaf, dumb, and blind. 23 Do they, then, not reflect on the Qur'an? Or are there locks on 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 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 But how (will it be) when the angels take their souls at death, and smite their faces and their backs? 27 That is because they followed that which angered Allah, and hated that which pleased Him. So He made their deeds fruitless. 28