There are some people who say: 'We believe in Allah and the Last Day, 'yet they are not believers. 8 Fain would they deceive Allah and those who believe, but they only deceive themselves, and realise (it) not! 9 In their hearts is a disease, and Allah increaseth their disease. A painful doom is theirs because they lie. 10 Whenever it is said to them, "Spread not disorder on the earth", their reply is, "We only seek to put things aright". 11 Beware! they do spread disorder but they realize it not. 12 When asked to believe as others do, they say: "Should we believe like fools?" And yet they are the fools, even though they do not know. 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 God mocks them and gives them time to continue blindly in their transgressions. 15 These are they who purchase error at the price of guidance, so their commerce doth not prosper, neither are they guided. 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 Deaf, dumb (and) blind, so they will not turn back. 18 Or like rain pouring from the sky which hides within it darkness, thunder and lightning. They thrust their fingers into their ears for safety against noise and death. But God surrounds those who believe not from all sides. 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