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 Obedience (to Allah) and good words (were better for them). And when the matter (preparation for Jihad) is resolved on, then if they had been true to Allah, it would have been better for them. 21 Could it be, that if you turn away, you might make corruption in the land and break the ties of kinship? 22 Such are the men whom Allah has cursed for He has made them deaf and blinded their sight. 23 What, do they not ponder the Koran? Or is it that there are locks upon their hearts? 24 Those who turn their backs after the way of guidance has been opened to them, have been surely tempted by Satan and beguiled by illusory hopes. 25 This, because they said to those who hate what Allah has revealed, "We will obey you in part of (this) matter"; but Allah knows their (inner) secrets. 26 Then how will it be when the angels take their souls, beating them on 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