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 (They keep affirming their) obedience and saying good words. But when a course of action was clearly determined, it would have been better for them if they had proved true to Allah. 21 If you turned away, would you then haply work corruption in the land, and break your bonds of kin? 22 Those are they whom Allah hath cursed, and then hath deafened them and blinded their sights. 23 Is it that they do not think about the Quran or are their hearts sealed? 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 is because they have said to those who hate God's revelation, "We shall obey you in some matters." But God knows all their secrets. 26 How shall it be when the angels (of death) take them and beat them on their face and back? 27 That is because they have followed what angers God, and have been averse to His good pleasure, so He has made their works to fail. 28