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 Were it to obey and say what is just, and when a matter is resolved on, it were best for them if they were true to Allah. 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 those whom Allah has cursed, making them deaf and blinding their eyes. 23 What, do they not ponder the Koran? Or is it that there are locks upon their hearts? 24 Surely (as for) those who return on their backs after that guidance has become manifest to them, the Shaitan has made it a light matter to them; and He gives them respite. 25 This, because they said to those who are averse to the faith that Allah has revealed: “In some matters we shall obey you.” Allah has full knowledge of their secret parleys. 26 How terrible it will be for them when the angels take away their souls by striking their faces and their backs. 27 That is because they follow what is displeasing to Allah and are averse to His pleasure, therefore He has made null their deeds. 28