Of the people there are some who say: "We believe in Allah and the Last Day;" but they do not (really) believe. 8 They [think to] deceive Allah and those who believe, but they deceive not except themselves and perceive [it] not. 9 There is a sickness in their hearts which Allah has increased. For them there is a painful punishment because they lie. 10 When it is said to them, 'Do not corruption in the land', they say, 'We are only ones that put things right.' 11 Verily! They are the ones who make mischief, but they perceive not. 12 And when it said unto them: believe even as mankind have believed, they say: shall we believe even as the fools have believed? Lo! verily it is they who are the fools; and yet they know not. 13 And when they meet those who believe, they say: We believe; and when they are alone with their Shaitans, they say: Surely we are with you, we were only mocking. 14 [But] Allah mocks them and prolongs them in their transgression [while] they wander blindly. 15 Such are those who barter away guidance for error, their trade did not profit (them), nor are they guided. 16 Their parable is that of people who kindle a fire: but as soon as it has illumined all around them, God takes away their light and leaves them in utter darkness, wherein they cannot see: 17 Deaf, dumb, and blind, they shall never return. 18 Or their case is like that of heavy rain pouring down from the clouds, accompanied by darkness, thunder and lightning; they thrust their fingers in their ears at the sound of thunderclaps for fear of death. God thus encompasses those who deny the truth. 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