Of the people there are some who say: "We believe in Allah and the Last Day;" but they do not (really) believe. 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 sickness, and God has increased their sickness, and there awaits them a painful chastisement for that they have cried lies. 10 And when they are told, "Do not spread corruption on earth," they answer, "We are but improving things!" 11 Yet they are surely mischief-mongers, even though they do not know. 12 When they are told to believe as everyone else does, they say, "Should we believe as fools do?" In fact, they themselves are fools, but they do not know it. 13 And when they fall in with those who believe, they say: We believe; but when they go apart to their devils they declare: Lo! we are with you; verily we did but mock. 14 But God will turn the joke against them and allow them to sink deeper into evil and wander perplexed in their wickedness. 15 These are they who have bartered Guidance for error: But their traffic is profitless, and they have lost true direction, 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 They are deaf, blind, and dumb and cannot regain their senses. 18 Or like rain pouring from the sky which hides within it darkness, thunder and lightning. They thrust their fingers into their ears for safety against noise and death. But God surrounds those who believe not from all sides. 19 Verily the lightning could snatch away their eyes. When it flashes forth they walk in its flare. When darkness returns they stand still. And if the Lord wills so He could take away their hearing and sight; surely God is all-powerful. 20