Some people say, "We believe in God and the Day of Judgment," but they are not true believers. 8 They (try to) deceive God and those who believe, yet deceive none but themselves although they do not know. 9 There is a disease in their hearts, so Allah added to their disease and they shall have a painful chastisement because they lied. 10 And when it is said to them, "Do not cause corruption on the earth," they say, "We are but reformers." 11 Unquestionably, it is they who are the corrupters, 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 (Little do they realize that) Allah is mocking at them. He gives them rope enough, and they wander on and on blindly in their mischief and rebellion. 15 These are they who buy error for the right direction, so their bargain shall bring no gain, nor are they the followers of the right direction. 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 - so they will not return [to the right path]. 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