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 good words. And when the matter [of fighting] was determined, if they had been true to Allah, it would have been better for them. 21 Now, if you were to turn away, what else can be expected but that you will work corruption in the land and fly at each other's throats? 22 Such are the men whom Allah has cursed for He has made them deaf and blinded their sight. 23 Do they, then, not reflect on the Qur'an? Or are there locks on their hearts? 24 Lo! those who turn back after the guidance hath been manifested unto them, Satan hath seduced them, and He giveth them the rein. 25 That is because they say unto those who hate what Allah hath revealed: We will obey you in some matters; and Allah knoweth their secret talk. 26 How terrible it will be for them when the angels take away their souls by striking their faces and their backs. 27 That is because they followed that which angered Allah and detested His good-will; so He made their works of non-effect. 28