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 So would you perhaps, if you turned away, cause corruption on earth and sever your [ties of] relationship? 22 Those are they whom Allah hath cursed, and then hath deafened them and blinded their sights. 23 Then do they not reflect upon the Qur'an, or are there locks upon [their] hearts? 24 Verily those who have apostated on their backs after the guidance had become manifest unto them, the devil hath embellished this apostacy for them and hath given them false hopes. 25 This is because they have said to those who hate God's revelation, "We shall obey you in some matters." But God knows all their secrets. 26 Then how (will it be with them) when the angels gather them, smiting 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