NOW THOSE who have attained to faith say: "Would that a revelation [allowing us to fight] was bestowed from on high!" But now that a revelation clear in and by itself, mentioning war, has been bestowed from on high, thou canst see those in whose hearts is disease looking at thee, [O Muhammad,] with the look of one who is about to faint for fear of death! And yet, far better for them would be 20 Obedience and good words. And when the matter [of fighting] was determined, if they had been true to Allah, it would have been better for them. 21 Then if you turn away, you are likely to spread corruption on the earth and sever your ties of kinship. 22 Such are the men whom Allah has cursed for He has made them deaf and blinded their sight. 23 Is it that they do not think about the Quran or are their hearts sealed? 24 Those who have turned back in their traces after the guidance has become clear to them, Satan it was that tempted them, and God respited them. 25 That is because they say to those who hate what Allah has revealed: We will obey you in some of the affairs; and Allah knows their secrets. 26 How will it be when the angels draw out their souls striking 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