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 Yet obedience and honorable words (would be better for them). Then, when the matter is decided, if they were true to Allah it would be better for them. 21 Then if you turn away, you are likely to spread corruption on the earth and sever your ties of kinship. 22 Those are they whom God has cursed, and so made them deaf, and blinded their eyes. 23 Do they not then reflect on the Quran? Nay, on the hearts there are locks. 24 Surely (as for) those who return on their backs after that guidance has become manifest to them, the Shaitan has made it a light matter to them; and He gives them respite. 25 This, because they said to those who hate what Allah has revealed, "We will obey you in part of (this) matter"; but Allah knows their (inner) secrets. 26 How will it be when the angels draw out their souls striking 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