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 Is it possible that if placed in authority you will create disorder in the land and sever your bonds of relationship? 22 Such are those whom God has rejected, making their ears deaf and their eyes blind. 23 So do they not ponder the Qur’an deeply, or are there locks on some of 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 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 Then how (will it be with them) when the angels gather them, smiting their faces and their backs! 27 because they followed the way that made God wrathful, and hated to adopt the way of His pleasure? So He made their actions come to nothing. 28