Of the people there are some who say: "We believe in Allah and the Last Day;" but they do not (really) believe. 8 They [think to] deceive Allah and those who believe, but they deceive not except themselves and perceive [it] not. 9 There is a sickness in their hearts which Allah has increased. For them there is a painful punishment because they lie. 10 When it is said to them: "Make not mischief on the earth," they say: "Why, we only Want to make peace!" 11 Unquestionably, it is they who are the corrupters, but they perceive [it] not. 12 And when it is said unto them: believe as the people believe, they say: shall we believe as the foolish believe? are not they indeed the foolish? But they know not. 13 When they meet the faithful they say: "We believe;" but when alone with the devils (their fellows), they say: "We are really with you; we were joking." 14 God mocks them and gives them time to continue blindly in their transgressions. 15 These are they who purchased error for guidance, but their traffic profited not, nor have they ever become guided. 16 Their parable is that of people who kindle a fire: but as soon as it has illumined all around them, God takes away their light and leaves them in utter darkness, wherein they cannot see: 17 deaf, dumb, blind -- so they shall not return; 18 Or it is like that of a rain storm with darkness, thunder, and lightning approaching. They cover their ears for fear of thunder and death. God encompasses those who deny His words. 19 The lightning almost takes away their sight: whenever it flashes upon them, they walk on, but as soon as darkness falls around them, they stand still. Indeed, if God pleased, He could take away their hearing and their sight: God has power over all things. 20