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 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 They are those who were condemned by God, whose ears were blocked by Him and their eyes blinded. 23 Will they not then contemplate on the Koran? Or are there locks upon their hearts! 24 Certainly those who have turned their backs on the True Guidance after it became manifest to them, Satan has embellished their ways for them and has buoyed them up with false hopes. 25 That is because they say to those who hate what Allah has revealed: We will obey you in some of the affairs; and Allah knows their secrets. 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 followed that which angered Allah and detested His good-will; so He made their works of non-effect. 28