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 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 Would ye then, if ye were given the command, work corruption in the land and sever your ties of kinship? 22 Those are they whom Allah hath cursed, and then hath deafened them and blinded their sights. 23 Ponder then they not on the Qur'an, or are on the hearts locks thereof? 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, 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 shall it be, when the angels take them, beating their faces and their backs? 27 This because they followed that which called forth the Wrath of Allah, and they hated Allah's good pleasure; so He made their deeds of no effect. 28