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 [Ask them:] "Would you, perchance, after having turned away [from God's commandment, prefer to revert to your old ways, and] spread corruption on earth, and [once again] cut asunder your ties of kinship?" 22 Such are they whom Allah curseth so that He deafeneth them and maketh blind their eyes. 23 Then do they not reflect upon the Qur'an, or are there locks upon [their] hearts? 24 Indeed, those who reverted back [to disbelief] after guidance had become clear to them - Satan enticed them and prolonged hope for them. 25 This was so because they said to those who disdain what God has revealed: "We shall obey you in some things." But God knows their secret intentions well. 26 But how (will it be) when the angels take their souls at death, and smite their faces and their backs? 27 Because they followed what displeases God, and they were averse to pleasing Him. So We nullified their deeds. 28