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 Allah) and good words (were better for them). And when the matter (preparation for Jihad) is resolved on, then if they had been true to Allah, it would have been better for them. 21 [Ask them:] "Would you, perchance, after having turned away [from God's commandment, prefer to revert to your old ways, and] spread corruption on earth, and [once again] cut asunder your 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 then not meditate on the Qur'an, or are there locks on the hearts? 24 Surely, those who turn their backs [on this message] after guidance has been shown to them, [do it because] Satan has embellished their fancies and God gives them respite; 25 That is because they said to those who were averse to what God sent down, 'We will obey you in some of the affair'; and God knows their secrets. 26 How will it be when the angels draw out their souls striking their faces and their backs? 27 This is because they followed the matter which displeases Allah, and they disliked what pleases Him – He therefore squandered away all their deeds. 28