Then there are some who say, "We believe in Allah and the Last Day", whereas they do not believe at all. 8 They desire to deceive Allah and those who believe, and they deceive only themselves and they do not perceive. 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 When they are told, "Do not cause corruption in the land," they say, "We are only promoters of peace," 11 Beware! they do spread disorder but they realize it not. 12 And when it is said to them, “Believe as the others believe”, they say, “Shall we believe as the foolish believe?” It is they who are the fools, but they do not know. 13 When they meet the faithful they say: "We believe;" but when alone with the devils (their fellows), they say: "We are really with you; we were joking." 14 Allah will mock at them and prolong them in sin, blundering blindly. 15 These are the people who have bartered away Guidance for error, but this is a profitless bargain that they have made, and they are not at all on the right way. 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, dumb, and blind, so they return not (to the Right Path). 18 Or like abundant rain from the cloud in which is utter darkness and thunder and lightning; they put their fingers into their ears because of the thunder peal, for fear of death, and Allah encompasses the unbelievers. 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