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 words honourable. Then, when the matter is resolved, if they were true to God, it would be better for them. 21 If you turned away, would you then haply work corruption in the land, and break your bonds of kin? 22 Those [who do so] are the ones that Allah has cursed, so He deafened them and blinded their vision. 23 Then do they not reflect upon the Qur'an, or are there locks upon [their] hearts? 24 As for those who turn back in their footsteps after the guidance of Allah has become clear to them, it was satan who tempted them, and Allah has respited them. 25 That is because they say to those who hate what Allah has revealed: We will obey you in some of the affairs; and Allah knows their secrets. 26 But how will they fare when angels will take their souls at death and will carry them, striking their faces and backs? 27 This, because they were wont to pursue what God condemns and to hate [whatever would meet with] His goodly acceptance: and so He has caused all their [good] deeds to come to nought. 28