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 a civil word. Then, when the matter is determined, if they are loyal to Allah it will be well 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 they whom Allah curseth so that He deafeneth them and maketh blind their eyes. 23 Do they not then reflect on the Quran? Nay, on the hearts there are locks. 24 Indeed those who turn back after the guidance had become clear to them – Satan has deceived them; and made them optimistic of living for ages. 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 How then shall it be when the angels shall take them away at death smiting their faces and their backs! 27 That is because they follow what is displeasing to Allah and are averse to His pleasure, therefore He has made null their deeds. 28