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, 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 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 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 said unto those who detest that which Allah hath revealed: we shall obey you in part of the affair; and Allah knoweth their talking in secret. 26 Then how will it be when the angels take their souls, beating them on their faces and their backs, 27 That is because they follow what angers Allah and hate His pleasure, therefore He has annulled their deeds. 28