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 (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 Then if you turn away, you are likely to spread corruption on the earth and sever your ties of kinship. 22 God has condemned these people and made them deaf, dumb, and blind. 23 Do they, then, not reflect on the Qur'an? Or are there locks on their hearts? 24 Those who turn back as apostates after Guidance was clearly shown to them,- the Evil One has instigated them and busied them up with false hopes. 25 That is because they say unto those who hate what Allah hath revealed: We will obey you in some matters; and Allah knoweth their secret talk. 26 How shall it be when the angels (of death) take them and beat them on their face and back? 27 That is because they followed that which angered Allah, and hated that which pleased Him. So He made their deeds fruitless. 28