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 Yet obedience and honorable words (would be better for them). Then, when the matter is decided, if they were true to Allah it would be better for them. 21 Then, is it to be expected of you, if ye were put in authority, that ye will do mischief in the land, and break your ties of kith and kin? 22 Such are they whom Allah has cursed, so that He has made them deaf and blinded their sight. 23 Do they, then, not reflect on the Qur'an? Or are there locks on 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 That is because they said unto those who detest that which Allah hath revealed: we shall obey you in part of the affair; and Allah knoweth their talking in secret. 26 But how will they fare when angels will take their souls at death and will carry them, striking their faces and backs? 27 That is because they have followed a way that angered Allah, and have been averse to His good pleasure. So He reduced all their works to nought. 28