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 Would ye then, if ye were given the command, work corruption in the land and sever your ties of kinship? 22 Such are the men whom Allah has cursed for He has made them deaf and blinded their sight. 23 Will they then not meditate on the Qur'an, or are there locks on the hearts? 24 Indeed, those who reverted back [to disbelief] after guidance had become clear to them - Satan enticed them and prolonged hope for them. 25 This, because they said to those who are averse to the faith that Allah has revealed: “In some matters we shall obey you.” Allah has full knowledge of their secret parleys. 26 But how (will it be) when the angels take their souls at death, and smite their faces and their backs? 27 for their following that which had incurred God's anger, and their hatred to please God. Thus, God has made their deeds devoid of all virtue. 28