There are some people who say: 'We believe in Allah and the Last Day, 'yet they are not believers. 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 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 And when it is said to them, "Believe sincerely as the other people have believed", they reply, "Should we believe as fools have believed?" Beware! they themselves are the fools, 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 [But] Allah mocks them and prolongs them in their transgression [while] they wander blindly. 15 These are they who purchased error for guidance, but their traffic profited not, nor have they ever become guided. 16 Their parable is like the parable of one who kindled a fire, but when it had illumined all around him, Allah took away their light, and left them in utter darkness-- they do not see. 17 They are deaf; they are dumb; they are blind so they will not return (to the right way). 18 Or like a rainstorm from the sky, wherein is darkness, thunder and the flash of lightning. They thrust their fingers in their ears by reason of the thunder-claps, for fear of death, Allah encompasseth the disbelievers (in His guidance, His omniscience and His omnipotence). 19 The lightning all but snatches away their sight; every time the light (Helps) them, they walk therein, and when the darkness grows on them, they stand still. And if Allah willed, He could take away their faculty of hearing and seeing; for Allah hath power over all things. 20