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 Then, belike ye are, if ye turn, to cause corruption in the earth and to sever your kinship. 22 Such are they whom Allah has cursed, so that He has made them deaf and blinded their sight. 23 So do they not ponder the Qur’an deeply, or are there locks on some of their hearts? 24 Those who have reverted to disbelief after guidance has become manifest to them, have been seduced and given false hopes by satan. 25 [they do turn their backs on it] inasmuch as they are wont to say unto those who abhor all that God has revealed, "We will comply with your views on some points." But God knows their secret thoughts: 26 But how will it be when the angels cause them to die smiting their backs. 27 That is because they have followed a way that angered Allah, and have been averse to His good pleasure. So He reduced all their works to nought. 28