The believers used to say: “Why is a surah (that would ordain fighting) not revealed?” But when a definitive surah was revealed wherein fighting was mentioned, you saw that those in whose hearts there was a sickness looked at you as though they were about to faint at the approach of death. Pity on them! 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 Then, belike ye are, if ye turn, to cause corruption in the earth and to sever your kinship. 22 It is these upon whom Allah has laid His curse: so He made them deaf and deprived them of their sight. 23 Do they not then think deeply in the Quran, or are their hearts locked up (from understanding it)? 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 This, because they said to those who hate what Allah has revealed, "We will obey you in part of (this) matter"; but Allah knows their (inner) secrets. 26 But how will they fare when angels will take their souls at death and will carry them, striking their faces and backs? 27 That is because they followed that which angered Allah, and hated that which pleased Him. So He made their deeds fruitless. 28