Some people say, "We believe in God and the Day of Judgment," but they are not true believers. 8 They (try to) deceive God and those who believe, yet deceive none but themselves although they do not know. 9 A sickness exists in their hearts to which God adds more sickness. Besides this, they will suffer a painful punishment as a result of the lie which they speak. 10 And when it is said unto them: Make not mischief in the earth, they say: We are peacemakers only. 11 Beware! they do spread disorder but they realize it not. 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 And when they meet those who have attained to faith, they assert, "We believe [as you believe]"; but when they find themselves alone with their evil impulses, they say: "Verily, we are with you; we were only mocking!" 14 Allah (Himself) doth mock them, leaving them to wander blindly on in their contumacy. 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 condition may be described in a parable: a man kindled a fire and when it illuminated all around him, Allah took away the light from their eyes and left them in utter darkness, where they could not see anything. 17 Deaf, dumb, blind - and they cannot turn back. 18 Or their case is like that of heavy rain pouring down from the clouds, accompanied by darkness, thunder and lightning; they thrust their fingers in their ears at the sound of thunderclaps for fear of death. God thus encompasses those who deny the truth. 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