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 Obedience and modest speech (would have been more becoming). And when the matter has been determined it is best for them to be true to God. 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 God has rejected, making their ears deaf and their eyes blind. 23 Will they not then contemplate on the Koran? Or are there locks upon 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 because they say to those who abhor what God has revealed, "We will obey you in some matters." God knows their secrets. 26 So how (dreadful) will it be when the angels remove their souls, striking at 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