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 (They keep affirming their) obedience and saying good words. But when a course of action was clearly determined, it would have been better for them if they had proved true to Allah. 21 So would you perhaps, if you turned away, cause corruption on earth and sever your [ties of] relationship? 22 Those are they whom God has cursed, and so made them deaf, and blinded their eyes. 23 Do they not then reflect on the Quran? Nay, on the hearts there are locks. 24 Verily, those who have turned back (have apostated) as disbelievers after the guidance has been manifested to them, Shaitan (Satan) has beautified for them (their false hopes), and (Allah) prolonged their term (age). 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 How then shall it be when the angels shall take them away at death smiting their faces and their backs! 27 That is because they followed what angered Allah and disliked [what earns] His pleasure, so He rendered worthless their deeds. 28