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 words honourable. Then, when the matter is resolved, if they were true to God, it would be better for them. 21 [Ask them:] "Would you, perchance, after having turned away [from God's commandment, prefer to revert to your old ways, and] spread corruption on earth, and [once again] cut asunder your ties of kinship?" 22 Such are they whom Allah curseth so that He deafeneth them and maketh blind their eyes. 23 Do they not then reflect on the Quran? Nay, on the hearts there are locks. 24 Certainly those who have turned their backs on the True Guidance after it became manifest to them, Satan has embellished their ways for them and has buoyed them up with false hopes. 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 How terrible it will be for them when the angels take away their souls by striking their faces and their backs. 27 That is because they follow what angers Allah and hate His pleasure, therefore He has annulled their deeds. 28