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 Could it be, that if you turn away, you might make corruption in the land and break the ties of kinship? 22 Such are the men whom Allah has cursed for He has made them deaf and blinded their sight. 23 Will they not, then, ponder over this Quran? Or are there locks upon their hearts? 24 Indeed, those who reverted back [to disbelief] after guidance had become clear to them - Satan enticed them and prolonged hope for them. 25 [they do turn their backs on it] inasmuch as they are wont to say unto those who abhor all that God has revealed, "We will comply with your views on some points." But God knows their secret thoughts: 26 How terrible it will be for them when the angels take away their souls by striking their faces and their backs. 27 Because they followed what displeases God, and they were averse to pleasing Him. So We nullified their deeds. 28