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 saying what is just would become them more; when the decision is taken, it would be better for them if they acted sincerely towards God. 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 they whom Allah has cursed, so that He has made them deaf and blinded their sight. 23 Will they not, then, ponder over this Qur'an? - or are there locks upon their hearts? 24 Verily, those who have turned back (have apostated) as disbelievers after the guidance has been manifested to them, Shaitan (Satan) has beautified for them (their false hopes), and (Allah) prolonged their term (age). 25 That is because they say to those who hate what Allah has revealed: We will obey you in some of the affairs; and Allah knows their secrets. 26 How then shall it be when the angels shall take them away at death smiting their faces and their backs! 27 That is because they have followed what angers God, and have been averse to His good pleasure, so He has made their works to fail. 28