And of mankind are some who say: we believe in Allah and in the Last Day: whereas they are not believers. 8 They [think to] deceive Allah and those who believe, but they deceive not except themselves and perceive [it] not. 9 In their hearts is a disease (of doubt and hypocrisy) and Allah has increased their disease. A painful torment is theirs because they used to tell lies. 10 And when they are told, "Do not spread corruption on earth," they answer, "We are but improving things!" 11 Oh, verily, it is they, they who are spreading corruption but they perceive it not? 12 When it is said to them: "Believe as the others believe:" They say: "Shall we believe as the fools believe?" Nay, of a surety they are the fools, but they do not know. 13 To the believers they declare belief and, in secret to their own devils, they say, "We were only mocking". 14 [But] Allah mocks them and prolongs them in their transgression [while] they wander blindly. 15 They have traded guidance for error, but their bargain has had no profit and they have missed the true guidance. 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 They are deaf, dumb and blind, and shall never return; 18 Or, like (those who, under) a cloudburst from the sky with darkness, thunder and lightning, they thrust their fingers in their ears at the sound of every thunderclap for fear of death, and Allah encompasses the unbelievers. 19 The lightning almost snatches away their sight, whenever it flashes upon them they walk on, but as soon as it darkens they stand still. Indeed, if Allah willed, He could take away their sight and hearing. Allah has power over all things. 20