Those who believe ask why no chapter [about fighting] has been sent down. Yet when a decisive chapter that mentions fighting is sent down, you can see the sick of heart looking at you [Prophet] as if they were under the shadow of death. Therefore, woe to them! 20 Obedience and good words. And when the matter [of fighting] was determined, if they had been true to Allah, it would have been better 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 Those it is whom Allah has cursed so He has made them deaf and blinded their eyes. 23 Do they not then earnestly seek to understand the Qur'an, or are their hearts locked up by them? 24 As for those who turn back in their footsteps after the guidance of Allah has become clear to them, it was satan who tempted them, and Allah has respited them. 25 [they do turn their backs on it] inasmuch as they are wont to say unto those who abhor all that God has revealed, "We will comply with your views on some points." But God knows their secret thoughts: 26 hence, how [will they fare] when the angels gather them in death, 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