NOW THOSE who have attained to faith say: "Would that a revelation [allowing us to fight] was bestowed from on high!" But now that a revelation clear in and by itself, mentioning war, has been bestowed from on high, thou canst see those in whose hearts is disease looking at thee, [O Muhammad,] with the look of one who is about to faint for fear of death! And yet, far better for them would be 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 Had We pleased We could have shown them to you that you could know them by their marks, and recognise them from the way they twist their words. Yet God knows all your deeds. 22 Such are they whom Allah has cursed, so that He has made them deaf and blinded their sight. 23 Will they not then contemplate on the Koran? Or are there locks upon their hearts! 24 As for those who turn back in their footsteps after the guidance of Allah has become clear to them, it was satan who tempted them, and Allah has respited them. 25 This is because they said to those who dislike what Allah has sent down, "We will obey you regarding one matter, to fight against the Holy Prophet"; and Allah knows their secrets. 26 But how will it be when the angels cause them to die smiting their backs. 27 because they followed the way that made God wrathful, and hated to adopt the way of His pleasure? So He made their actions come to nothing. 28