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 a civil word. Then, when the matter is determined, if they are loyal to Allah it will be well for them. 21 So do you* portray that if you get governance, you would spread chaos in the land and sever your relations? (* The hypocrites) 22 Those are they whom God has cursed, and so made them deaf, and blinded their eyes. 23 Do they not then reflect on the Quran? Nay, on the hearts there are locks. 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 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 Then how (will it be with them) when the angels gather them, smiting their faces and their 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