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 God and those who have attained to faith - the while they deceive none but themselves, and perceive it not. 9 There is a sickness in their hearts which Allah has increased. For them there is a painful punishment because they lie. 10 When asked to desist from spreading corruption in the land they say: "Why, we are reformers." 11 Truly, they are the workers of corruption but they are not aware. 12 When it is said to them: "Believe as the others believe:" They say: "Shall we believe as the fools believe?" Nay, of a surety they are the fools, but they do not know. 13 When they meet those who believe, they say, 'We believe'; but when they go privily to their Satans, they say, 'We are with you; we were only mocking.' 14 Allah mocketh back at them, and letteth them in their exorbitance wander bewildered. 15 These are they who buy error for the right direction, so their bargain shall bring no gain, nor are they the followers of the right direction. 16 Their likeness is as the likeness of one who kindled a fire; then, when it lighted all around him, Allah took away their light and left them in darkness. (So) they could not see. 17 Deaf, dumb, and blind, they shall never return. 18 Or [it is] like a rainstorm from the sky within which is darkness, thunder and lightning. They put their fingers in their ears against the thunderclaps in dread of death. But Allah is encompassing of the disbelievers. 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