And the Muslims say, “Why was not a chapter sent down?” So when a positive chapter was sent down, and war was commanded in it, you will see those in whose hearts is a disease looking at you with the dazed looks of a dying man; so it would be better for 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 But if you held command, you were sure to make mischief in the land and cut off the ties of kinship! 22 Such are those whom Allah has cursed, making them deaf and blinding their eyes. 23 Will they not, then, ponder over this Qur'an? - or are there locks upon their hearts? 24 Verily those who have apostated on their backs after the guidance had become manifest unto them, the devil hath embellished this apostacy for them and hath given them false hopes. 25 That is because they say to those averse to what Allah has sent down 'We shall obey you in some of the matters' Allah knows their secrets. 26 How terrible it will be for them when the angels take away their souls by striking their faces and their backs. 27 That is because they followed that which angered Allah, and hated that which pleased Him. So He made their deeds fruitless. 28