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 Were it to obey and say what is just, and when a matter is resolved on, it were best for them if they were true to Allah. 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 God has rejected, making their ears deaf and their eyes blind. 23 Then do they not reflect upon the Qur'an, 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, 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 So how (dreadful) will it be when the angels remove their souls, striking at their faces and their backs! 27 for their following that which had incurred God's anger, and their hatred to please God. Thus, God has made their deeds devoid of all virtue. 28