And of the people are some who say, "We believe in Allah and the Last Day," but they are not believers. 8 They (try to) deceive God and those who believe, yet deceive none but themselves although they do not know. 9 In their hearts is a disease; and Allah has increased their disease: And grievous is the penalty they (incur), because they are false (to themselves). 10 And when it is said to them, "Do not cause corruption on the earth," they say, "We are but reformers." 11 but it is they who are really causing corruption, though they do not realize it. 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 ones, they say: "We are really with you: We (were) only jesting." 14 [But] Allah mocks them and prolongs them in their transgression [while] they wander blindly. 15 They are indeed those who bartered away good guidance for error and gained nothing from the deal, nor found the right way. 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 They are deaf, blind, and dumb and cannot regain their senses. 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 snatches away their sight. Every time it lights [the way] for them, they walk therein; but when darkness comes over them, they stand [still]. And if Allah had willed, He could have taken away their hearing and their sight. Indeed, Allah is over all things competent. 20