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 [to God's call] and a word that could win [His] approval: for, since the matter has been resolved [by His revelation,] it would be but for their own good to remain true to God. 21 So do you* portray that if you get governance, you would spread chaos in the land and sever your relations? (* The hypocrites) 22 Such are those whom God has rejected, making their ears deaf and their eyes blind. 23 Will they not, then, ponder over this Qur'an? - or are there locks upon their hearts? 24 Indeed those who turn back after the guidance had become clear to them – Satan has deceived them; and made them optimistic of living for ages. 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 That is because they followed that which angered Allah and detested His good-will; so He made their works of non-effect. 28