Some people say, "We believe in God and the Day of Judgment," but they are not true believers. 8 They (think to) deceive Allah and those who believe, while they only deceive themselves, and perceive (it) not! 9 In their hearts is a disease (of doubt and hypocrisy) and Allah has increased their disease. A painful torment is theirs because they used to tell lies. 10 When asked to desist from spreading corruption in the land they say: "Why, we are reformers." 11 Of a surety, they are the ones who make mischief, but they realise (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 will requite them for their mockery, and draw them on, for a while, to wander blindly in their insolence. 15 They have traded guidance for error, but their bargain has had no profit and they have missed the true guidance. 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 They are deaf, dumb and blind, and shall never return; 18 Or like a rainstorm from the sky, wherein is darkness, thunder, and lightning. They thrust their fingers in their ears to keep out the stunning thunderclap for fear of death. But Allah ever encompasses the disbelievers (i.e. Allah will gather them all together). 19 The lightning well-nigh takes away their sight; whenever it gives them light, they advance therein, and whenever darkness falls around them, they stand still. And if God so willed, He could indeed take away their hearing and their sight: for, verily, God has the power to will anything. 20