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 a civil word. Then, when the matter is determined, if they are loyal to Allah it will be well for them. 21 Then if you turn away, you are likely to spread corruption on the earth and sever your ties of kinship. 22 Those are they whom God has cursed, and so made them deaf, and blinded their eyes. 23 Do they not then think deeply in the Quran, or are their hearts locked up (from understanding it)? 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 This is because they said to those who hate what Allah has sent down: "We will obey you in part of the matter," but Allah knows their secrets. 26 But how will they fare when angels will take their souls at death and will carry them, striking their faces and backs? 27 That will be because they followed that which angereth Allah, and hated that which pleaseth Him. Therefor He hath made their actions vain. 28