And there are some who, though they say: "We believe in God and the Last Day," (in reality) do not believe. 8 They seek to deceive Allah and those who believe, but they deceive none except themselves, though they do not sense it. 9 In their hearts is a disease which Allah has increased all the more and a painful doom is in store for them for the lie they utter. 10 And when it is said to them, "Do not cause corruption on the earth," they say, "We are but reformers." 11 Of a surety, they are the ones who make mischief, but they realise (it) not. 12 When it is said to them: 'Believe as (other) people believe,' they reply, 'Are we to believe as fools believe?' It is they who are the fools, if only they knew! 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 (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 [for] it is they who have taken error in exchange for guidance; and neither has their bargain brought them gain, nor have they found guidance [elsewhere]. 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: they will never return [to the right path]. 18 Or like abundant rain from the cloud in which is utter darkness and thunder and lightning; they put their fingers into their ears because of the thunder peal, for fear of death, and Allah encompasses the unbelievers. 19 The lightning well-nigh snatcheth away their sight; whensoever it flasheth on them, they walk therein, and when it becometh dark unto them, they stand still. And had Allah willed He would of a surety have taken away their hearing and their sights; verily Allah is over everything potent. 20