Those who believe say: "How is it no Surah was revealed?" But when a categorical Surah is revealed that mentions war, you should see those who are sceptical staring at you like a man in the swoon of death. Alas the woe for them! 20 (They keep affirming their) obedience and saying good words. But when a course of action was clearly determined, it would have been better for them if they had proved true to Allah. 21 But if you held command, you were sure to make mischief in the land and cut off the ties of kinship! 22 Such are those whom Allah has cursed, making them deaf and blinding their eyes. 23 Will they then not meditate on the Qur'an, or are there locks on the 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 were averse to what God sent down, 'We will obey you in some of the affair'; and God knows their secrets. 26 hence, how [will they fare] when the angels gather them in death, striking their faces and their backs? 27 That will be because they followed that which angereth Allah, and hated that which pleaseth Him. Therefor He hath made their actions vain. 28