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 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 Now, if you were to turn away, what else can be expected but that you will work corruption in the land and fly at each other's throats? 22 They are those who were condemned by God, whose ears were blocked by Him and their eyes blinded. 23 Do they not then think deeply in the Quran, or are their hearts locked up (from understanding it)? 24 Lo! those who turn back after the guidance hath been manifested unto them, Satan hath seduced them, and He giveth them the rein. 25 That is because they said unto those who detest that which Allah hath revealed: we shall obey you in part of the affair; and Allah knoweth their talking in secret. 26 So how (dreadful) will it be when the angels remove their souls, striking at their faces and their backs! 27 That is because they follow what angers Allah and hate His pleasure, therefore He has annulled their deeds. 28