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 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 If you ignore the commands of God would you then also spread evil in the land and sever the ties of kinship? 22 Those it is whom Allah has cursed so He has made them deaf and blinded their eyes. 23 Will they then not meditate on the Qur'an, or are there locks on the hearts? 24 Lo! those who turn back after the guidance hath been manifested unto them, Satan hath seduced them, and He giveth them the rein. 25 because they say to those who abhor what God has revealed, "We will obey you in some matters." God knows their secrets. 26 But how (will it be) when the angels take their souls at death, and smite 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