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, while they only deceive 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 asked to desist from spreading corruption in the land they say: "Why, we are reformers." 11 Oh, verily, it is they, they who are spreading corruption but they perceive it not? 12 And when it is said to them, "Believe as the people have believed," they say, "Should we believe as the foolish have believed?" Unquestionably, it is they who are the foolish, but they know [it] not. 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 God shall mock them, and shall lead them on blindly wandering in their insolence. 15 These are they who purchased error for guidance, but their traffic profited not, nor have they ever become guided. 16 They are like a man who kindles a fire, and when its glow has illumined the air God takes away their light leaving them in the dark where they will not be able to see. 17 Deaf, dumb and blind; and they are not to return. 18 Or [the parable] of a violent cloudburst in the sky, with utter darkness, thunder and lightning: they put their fingers into their ears to keep out the peals of thunder, in terror of death; but God encompasses [with His might] all who deny the truth. 19 The lightning almost takes away their sight; whenever it shines on them they walk in it, and when it becomes dark to them they stand still; and if Allah had pleased He would certainly have taken away their hearing and their sight; surely Allah has power over all things. 20