There are some who say, "We believe in God and the Last Day," yet they are not believers. 8 They seek to deceive God and the believers, but they only deceive themselves, though they do not realize it. 9 In their hearts is a disease, which God has increased. They will have a painful punishment, because they have been lying. 10 When it is said to them: "Make not mischief on the earth," they say: "Why, we only Want to make peace!" 11 but it is they who are really causing corruption, though they do not realize it. 12 When they are told to believe as everyone else does, they say, "Should we believe as fools do?" In fact, they themselves are fools, but they do not know it. 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 [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 likeness is as the likeness of him who kindleth a fire, then when it hath lit up that which is around him, Allah taketh away their light and leaveth them in darknesses where they see not 17 Deaf, dumb and blind; and they are not to return. 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 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