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 Their obedience and speech are known. Then when the affair is determined, if even then they gave credence unto Allah, it would have been better for them. 21 But if you held command, you were sure to make mischief in the land and cut off the ties of kinship! 22 Such are the men whom Allah has cursed for He has made them deaf and blinded their sight. 23 Do they not ponder on what the Qur'an says? Or have their hearts been sealed with locks? 24 Those who have turned back in their traces after the guidance has become clear to them, Satan it was that tempted them, and God respited them. 25 That is because they said to those who disliked what Allah sent down, "We will obey you in part of the matter." And Allah knows what they conceal. 26 How shall it be when the angels (of death) take them and beat them on their face and back? 27 That is because they have followed what angers God, and have been averse to His good pleasure, so He has made their works to fail. 28