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 Since they have (pledged) Us obedience and to speak reasonably, it would be more proper for them, when it is decided (that everyone must take part in the battle), to remain true (in their pledge 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 Those are they whom God has cursed, and so made them deaf, and blinded their eyes. 23 Will they then not meditate on the Qur'an, or are there locks on the 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, because they said to those who hate what Allah has revealed, "We will obey you in part of (this) matter"; but Allah knows their (inner) secrets. 26 Then how will it be when the angels take their souls, beating them on their faces and their backs, 27 This is because they followed the matter which displeases Allah, and they disliked what pleases Him – He therefore squandered away all their deeds. 28