Those who believe say: "How is it no Surah was revealed?" But when a categorical Surah is revealed that mentions war, you should see those who are sceptical staring at you like a man in the swoon of death. Alas the woe for 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 Would you then, if you were given the authority, do mischief in the land, and sever your ties of kinship? 22 They are those who were condemned by God, whose ears were blocked by Him and their eyes blinded. 23 Ponder then they not on the Qur'an, or are on the hearts locks thereof? 24 Certainly those who have turned their backs on the True Guidance after it became manifest to them, Satan has embellished their ways for them and has buoyed them up with false hopes. 25 because they say to those who abhor what God has revealed, "We will obey you in some matters." God knows their secrets. 26 So how (dreadful) will it be when the angels remove their souls, striking at their faces and their backs! 27 This, because they were wont to pursue what God condemns and to hate [whatever would meet with] His goodly acceptance: and so He has caused all their [good] deeds to come to nought. 28