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 and a civil word. Then, when the matter is determined, if they are loyal to Allah it will be well for them. 21 Would ye then, if ye were given the command, work corruption in the land and sever your ties of kinship? 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 turn their backs [on this message] after guidance has been vouchsafed to them, [do it because] Satan has embellished their fancies and filled them with false hopes: 25 That is because they said to those who disliked what Allah sent down, "We will obey you in part of the matter." And Allah knows what they conceal. 26 How shall it be, when the angels take them, beating their faces and their backs? 27 Because they followed what displeases God, and they were averse to pleasing Him. So We nullified their deeds. 28