And among the people are some* that say, “We believe in Allah and the Last Day**” whereas they are not believers! (* The hypocrites ** the Day of Resurrection) 8 They would deceive Allah and those who believe, whereas they deceive not save themselves, and they perceive 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 asked to desist from spreading corruption in the land they say: "Why, we are reformers." 11 They, certainly, are corrupt but do not realize it. 12 And when it is said to them (hypocrites): "Believe as the people (followers of Muhammad Peace be upon him, Al-Ansar and Al-Muhajirun) have believed," they say: "Shall we believe as the fools have believed?" Verily, they are the fools, but they know not. 13 And when they meet those who believe, they say, "We believe"; but when they are alone with their evil ones, they say, "Indeed, we are with you; we were only mockers." 14 But God will turn the joke against them and allow them to sink deeper into evil and wander perplexed in their wickedness. 15 These are the people who purchased error in exchange of guidance – so their bargain did not profit them, and they did not know how to trade. 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, blind - and they cannot turn back. 18 Or it is like that of a rain storm with darkness, thunder, and lightning approaching. They cover their ears for fear of thunder and death. God encompasses those who deny His words. 19 The lightning almost snatcheth away their sight from them. As often as it flasheth forth for them they walk therein, and when it darkeneth against them they stand still. If Allah willed, He could destroy their hearing and their sight. Lo! Allah is able to do all things. 20