There are some who say, "We believe in God and the Last Day," yet they are not believers. 8 They would deceive Allah and those who believe, whereas they deceive not save themselves, and they perceive not. 9 In their hearts is a disease, and Allah increaseth their disease. A painful doom is theirs because they lie. 10 And when it is said unto them: Make not mischief in the earth, they say: We are peacemakers only. 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 believe," they answer, "Shall we believe as the weak-minded believe?" Oh, verily, it is they, they who are weak-minded - but they know it not! 13 When they meet those who believe, they say: "We believe;" but when they are alone with their evil ones, they say: "We are really with you: We (were) only jesting." 14 God shall mock them, and shall lead them on blindly wandering in their insolence. 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 one who kindled a fire; then, when it lighted all around him, Allah took away their light and left them in darkness. (So) they could not see. 17 They are deaf, dumb, and blind, so they return not (to the Right Path). 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 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