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 [to God's call] and a word that could win [His] approval: for, since the matter has been resolved [by His revelation,] it would be but for their own good to remain true to God. 21 Would you then, if you were given the authority, do mischief in the land, and sever your ties of kinship? 22 It is these upon whom Allah has laid His curse: so He made them deaf and deprived them of their sight. 23 Do they, then, not reflect on the Qur'an? Or are there locks on their hearts? 24 Those who have reverted to disbelief after guidance has become manifest to them, have been seduced and given false hopes by satan. 25 That is because they said to those who disliked what Allah sent down, "We will obey you in part of the matter." And Allah knows what they conceal. 26 But how will they fare when angels will take their souls at death and will carry them, striking their faces and backs? 27 That is because they have followed a way that angered Allah, and have been averse to His good pleasure. So He reduced all their works to nought. 28