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 modest speech (would have been more becoming). And when the matter has been determined it is best for them to be true to God. 21 Is it possible that if placed in authority you will create disorder in the land and sever your bonds of relationship? 22 Such are they whom Allah curseth so that He deafeneth them and maketh blind their eyes. 23 Is it that they do not think about the Quran or are their hearts sealed? 24 VERILY, those who turn their backs [on this message] after guidance has been vouchsafed to them, [do it because] Satan has embellished their fancies and filled them with false hopes: 25 This was so because they said to those who disdain what God has revealed: "We shall obey you in some things." But God knows their secret intentions well. 26 How terrible it will be for them when the angels take away their souls by striking their faces and their backs. 27 This is because they followed the matter which displeases Allah, and they disliked what pleases Him – He therefore squandered away all their deeds. 28