There are some who say, "We believe in God and the Last Day," yet they are not believers. 8 They thus try to deceive Allah and the Believers, but they succeed in deceiving none except themselves and they realize it not. 9 In their hearts is a disease (of doubt and hypocrisy) and Allah has increased their disease. A painful torment is theirs because they used to tell lies. 10 And when they are told, "Do not spread corruption on earth," they answer, "We are but improving things!" 11 Lo! verily it is they who are the corrupters, and yet they perceive not. 12 When asked to believe as others do, they say: "Should we believe like fools?" And yet they are the fools, even though they do not know. 13 To the believers they declare belief and, in secret to their own devils, they say, "We were only mocking". 14 But God will turn the joke against them and allow them to sink deeper into evil and wander perplexed in their wickedness. 15 Such are those who have taken misguidance in exchange for guidance; but their bargain does not profit them, nor have they found true guidance. 16 Their example is that of one who kindled a fire, but when it illuminated what was around him, Allah took away their light and left them in darkness [so] they could not see. 17 Deaf, dumb, blind - and they cannot turn back. 18 Or (another similitude) is that of a rain-laden cloud from the sky: In it are zones of darkness, and thunder and lightning: They press their fingers in their ears to keep out the stunning thunder-clap, the while they are in terror of death. But Allah is ever round the rejecters of Faith! 19 The lightning almost takes away their vision. When the lightning brightens their surroundings, they walk and when it is dark, they stand still. Had God wanted, He could have taken away their hearing and their vision. God has power over all things. 20