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 obedience [to God's call] and a word that could win [His] approval: for, since the matter has been resolved [by His revelation,] it would be but for their own good to remain true to God. 21 If you turned away, would you then haply work corruption in the land, and break your bonds of kin? 22 Those it is whom Allah has cursed so He has made them deaf and blinded their eyes. 23 Ponder then they not on the Qur'an, or are on the hearts locks thereof? 24 VERILY, those who turn their backs [on this message] after guidance has been vouchsafed to them, [do it because] Satan has embellished their fancies and filled them 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 How shall it be, when the angels take them, beating 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