There are some people who say: 'We believe in Allah and the Last Day, 'yet they are not believers. 8 They (think to) deceive Allah and those who believe, while they only deceive themselves, and perceive (it) not! 9 A sickness exists in their hearts to which God adds more sickness. Besides this, they will suffer a painful punishment as a result of the lie which they speak. 10 And when it said unto them: act not corruptly on the earth, they say: we are but reconcilers. 11 but it is they who are really causing corruption, though they do not realize it. 12 When it is said to them, 'Believe as the people believe', they say, 'Shall we believe, as fools believe?' Truly, they are the foolish ones, but they do not know. 13 And when they meet those who have attained to faith, they assert, "We believe [as you believe]"; but when they find themselves alone with their evil impulses, they say: "Verily, we are with you; we were only mocking!" 14 Allah (befitting His Majesty) mocks them, leaving them to wander blindly in their rebellion. 15 These are the people who purchased error in exchange of guidance – so their bargain did not profit them, and they did not know how to trade. 16 They are like those who kindled a fire, and when it lighted up all around them, God took away their sight and left them in utter darkness, unable to see -- 17 They are deaf, dumb, and blind, so they return not (to the Right Path). 18 Or [it is] like a rainstorm from the sky within which is darkness, thunder and lightning. They put their fingers in their ears against the thunderclaps in dread of death. But Allah is encompassing of the disbelievers. 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