And there are some people who say: We believe in Allah and the last day; and they are not at all 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 There is a sickness in their hearts which Allah has increased. For them there is a painful punishment because they lie. 10 When they are told, "Do not cause corruption in the land," they say, "We are only promoters of peace," 11 Oh, verily, it is they, they who are spreading corruption but they perceive it not? 12 And when they are told, "Believe as other people have believed," they say, "Are we to believe just as fools believe?" Surely they are the fools, even though they do not realize it. 13 When they meet those who believe, they say, "We believe." But when they are alone with their evil leaders, they say, "We are really with you; 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 Such are those who barter away guidance for error, their trade did not profit (them), nor are they guided. 16 Their condition may be described in a parable: a man kindled a fire and when it illuminated all around him, Allah took away the light from their eyes and left them in utter darkness, where they could not see anything. 17 Deaf, dumb and blind - so they will not return [to the right path]. 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 takes away their sight: whenever it flashes upon them, they walk on, but as soon as darkness falls around them, they stand still. Indeed, if God pleased, He could take away their hearing and their sight: God has power over all things. 20