And there are people who say: "We do believe in God and the Last Day," the while they do not [really] believe. 8 They (think to) deceive Allah and those who believe, while they only deceive themselves, and perceive (it) not! 9 In their hearts is disease, and so God lets their disease increase; and grievous suffering awaits them because of their persistent lying. 10 And when they are told, "Do not spread corruption on earth," they answer, "We are but improving things!" 11 Truly, they are the workers of corruption but they are not aware. 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 those who believe, they say, "We believe." But when they are alone with their evil leaders, they say, "We are really with you; we were only mocking." 14 Allah (befitting His Majesty) mocks them, leaving them to wander blindly in their rebellion. 15 They are indeed those who bartered away good guidance for error and gained nothing from the deal, nor found the right way. 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 will never return [to the right path]. 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 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