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 saying what is just would become them more; when the decision is taken, it would be better for them if they acted sincerely towards God. 21 Then, belike ye are, if ye turn, to cause corruption in the earth and to sever your kinship. 22 Such are those whom Allah has cursed, making them deaf and blinding their eyes. 23 Is it that they do not think about the Quran or are their hearts sealed? 24 Those who turn back as apostates after Guidance was clearly shown to them,- the Evil One has instigated them and busied them up with false hopes. 25 That is because they say unto those who hate what Allah hath revealed: We will obey you in some matters; and Allah knoweth their secret talk. 26 How will it be when the angels draw out their souls striking their faces and their 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