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 Were it to obey and say what is just, and when a matter is resolved on, it were best for them if they were true to Allah. 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 those whom God has rejected, making their ears deaf and their eyes blind. 23 Is it that they do not think about the Quran or are their hearts sealed? 24 Verily those who have apostated on their backs after the guidance had become manifest unto them, the devil hath embellished this apostacy for them and hath given them false hopes. 25 This is because they said to those who hate what Allah has sent down: "We will obey you in part of the matter," but Allah knows their secrets. 26 How terrible it will be for them when the angels take away their souls by striking their faces and their backs. 27 That is because they followed that which angered Allah, and hated that which pleased Him. So He made their deeds fruitless. 28