Of the people there are some who say: "We believe in Allah and the Last Day;" but they do not (really) believe. 8 They (try to) deceive God and those who believe, yet deceive none but themselves although they do not know. 9 In their hearts is a disease, so Allah has increased their disease; and for them is a painful punishment, because of their lies. 10 When they are told not to commit corruption in the land, they reply, "We are only reformers". 11 But it is they who are the evildoers, though they do not sense it. 12 And when it is said to them, “Believe as the others believe”, they say, “Shall we believe as the foolish believe?” It is they who are the fools, but they do not know. 13 And when they fall in with those who believe, they say: We believe; but when they go apart to their devils they declare: Lo! we are with you; verily we did but mock. 14 God mocks them and gives them time to continue blindly in their transgressions. 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 kindled a fire; then, when it lighted all around him, Allah took away their light and left them in darkness. (So) they could not see. 17 Deaf, dumb, and blind, they shall never return. 18 Or like a rainstorm from the sky, wherein is darkness, thunder, and lightning. They thrust their fingers in their ears to keep out the stunning thunderclap for fear of death. But Allah ever encompasses the disbelievers (i.e. Allah will gather them all together). 19 The lightning well-nigh takes away their sight; whenever it gives them light, they advance therein, and whenever darkness falls around them, they stand still. And if God so willed, He could indeed take away their hearing and their sight: for, verily, God has the power to will anything. 20