Of the people there are some who say: "We believe in Allah and the Last Day;" but they do not (really) believe. 8 They would trick God and the believers, and only themselves they deceive, and they are not aware. 9 In their hearts is a disease, and Allah increaseth their disease. A painful doom is theirs because they lie. 10 When asked to desist from spreading corruption in the land they say: "Why, we are reformers." 11 but it is they who are really causing corruption, though they do not realize it. 12 And when they are told, "Believe as other people believe," they answer, "Shall we believe as the weak-minded believe?" Oh, verily, it is they, they who are weak-minded - but they know it 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 Allah mocks at them and gives them increase in their wrong-doings to wander blindly. 15 These are they who have bartered Guidance for error: But their traffic is profitless, and they have lost true direction, 16 Their likeness is as the likeness of one who kindleth fire, and when it sheddeth its light around him Allah taketh away their light and leaveth them in darkness, where they cannot see, 17 Deaf, dumb and blind; and they are not to return. 18 Or like a rainstorm from the sky, in which are darkness, thunder and lightning; they thrust their fingers in their ears due to the thunderclaps, fearing death; and Allah has the disbelievers encompassed. 19 The lightning almost snatches away their sight. Every time it lights [the way] for them, they walk therein; but when darkness comes over them, they stand [still]. And if Allah had willed, He could have taken away their hearing and their sight. Indeed, Allah is over all things competent. 20