Some people say, "We believe in God and the Day of Judgment," but they are not true believers. 8 They deceive God and the believers. However, they have deceived no one but themselves, a fact of which they are not aware. 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 Verily! They are the ones who make mischief, but they perceive 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 And when they meet those who have believed, they say: We believe. And when they are alone with their satans, they say: verily we are with you, we were but mocking. 14 God mocks them and gives them time to continue blindly in their transgressions. 15 They are indeed those who bartered away good guidance for error and gained nothing from the deal, nor found the right way. 16 (Their case) is like that of one who kindles a fire and when it grows bright God takes away its light leaving him in darkness (wherein) he cannot see (anything). 17 deaf, dumb, and blind: they will never return [to the right path]. 18 Or (still another parable may be cited to depict their condition): heavy rain is falling from the sky, accompanied by pitch darkness, thunder and lightning. When they hear the thunderclap, they thrust their fingers into their ears for fear of death, but Allah is encircling the disbelievers on all sides. 19 Verily the lightning could snatch away their eyes. When it flashes forth they walk in its flare. When darkness returns they stand still. And if the Lord wills so He could take away their hearing and sight; surely God is all-powerful. 20