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 and a civil word. Then, when the matter is determined, if they are loyal to Allah it will be well for them. 21 Would you then, if you were given the authority, do mischief in the land, and sever your ties of kinship? 22 Such are they whom Allah curseth so that He deafeneth them and maketh blind their eyes. 23 Do they, then, not reflect on the Qur'an? Or are there locks on their hearts? 24 Indeed those who turn back after the guidance had become clear to them – Satan has deceived them; and made them optimistic of living for ages. 25 [they do turn their backs on it] inasmuch as they are wont to say unto those who abhor all that God has revealed, "We will comply with your views on some points." But God knows their secret thoughts: 26 How terrible it will be for them when the angels take away their souls by striking 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