And there are some who, though they say: "We believe in God and the Last Day," (in reality) do not believe. 8 They would deceive Allah and those who believe, whereas they deceive not save themselves, and they perceive not. 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 When they are told not to commit corruption in the land, they reply, "We are only reformers". 11 They, certainly, are corrupt but do not realize it. 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 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 [But] Allah mocks them and prolongs them in their transgression [while] they wander blindly. 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 that of one who kindled a fire; and when it lit up all that was around it, Allah took away their light and left them in darkness, unable to see anything. 17 Deaf, dumb, and blind, they will not return (to the path). 18 Or [the parable] of a violent cloudburst in the sky, with utter darkness, thunder and lightning: they put their fingers into their ears to keep out the peals of thunder, in terror of death; but God encompasses [with His might] all who deny the truth. 19 The lightning well-nigh takes away their sight; whenever it gives them light, they advance therein, and whenever darkness falls around them, they stand still. And if God so willed, He could indeed take away their hearing and their sight: for, verily, God has the power to will anything. 20