There are some who say, "We believe in God and the Last Day," yet they are not believers. 8 They think to beguile Allah and those who believe, and they beguile none save themselves; but 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 it is said to them: "Make not mischief on the earth," they say: "We are only peacemakers." 11 Verily! They are the ones who make mischief, but they perceive not. 12 When it is said to them, 'Believe as the people believe', they say, 'Shall we believe, as fools believe?' Truly, they are the foolish ones, but they do not know. 13 And when they meet with the believers, they say, “We believe”; and when they are alone with their devils, they say, “We are undoubtedly with you, we were just mocking!” 14 Allah shall pay them back their mockery, and He leaves them alone in their inordinacy, blindly wandering on. 15 [for] it is they who have taken error in exchange for guidance; and neither has their bargain brought them gain, nor have they found guidance [elsewhere]. 16 Their example is like one who kindled a fire, and when it lit all around him, Allah took away their light and left them in darkness. They could not see. 17 Deaf, dumb and blind - so they will not return [to the right path]. 18 Or (still another parable may be cited to depict their condition): heavy rain is falling from the sky, accompanied by pitch darkness, thunder and lightning. When they hear the thunderclap, they thrust their fingers into their ears for fear of death, but Allah is encircling the disbelievers on all sides. 19 The lightning almost snatches away their sight, whenever it flashes upon them they walk on, but as soon as it darkens they stand still. Indeed, if Allah willed, He could take away their sight and hearing. Allah has power over all things. 20