Those who believe ask why no chapter [about fighting] has been sent down. Yet when a decisive chapter that mentions fighting is sent down, you can see the sick of heart looking at you [Prophet] as if they were under the shadow of death. Therefore, woe to them! 20 Obedience and a gentle word (was proper); but when the affair becomes settled, then if they remain true to Allah it would certainly be better for them. 21 So would you perhaps, if you turned away, cause corruption on earth and sever your [ties of] relationship? 22 Such are the men whom Allah has cursed for He has made them deaf and blinded their sight. 23 Do they, then, not reflect on the Qur'an? Or are there locks on 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 unto those who hate what Allah hath revealed: We will obey you in some matters; and Allah knoweth their secret talk. 26 Then how (will it be with them) when the angels gather them, smiting their faces and their backs! 27 That is because they follow what is displeasing to Allah and are averse to His pleasure, therefore He has made null their deeds. 28