Some people say, "We believe in God and the Day of Judgment," but they are not true believers. 8 They seek to deceive Allah and those who believe, but they deceive none except themselves, though they do not sense it. 9 There is a sickness in their hearts which Allah has increased. For them there is a painful punishment because they lie. 10 When they are told, "Do not cause corruption in the land," they say, "We are only promoters of peace," 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 And when they meet those who have believed, they say: We believe. And when they are alone with their satans, they say: verily we are with you, we were but mocking. 14 Allah mocketh back at them, and letteth them in their exorbitance wander bewildered. 15 These are they who purchased error for guidance, but their traffic profited not, nor have they ever become guided. 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 - so they will not return [to the right path]. 18 Or like a rainstorm from the sky, in which are darkness, thunder and lightning; they thrust their fingers in their ears due to the thunderclaps, fearing death; and Allah has the disbelievers encompassed. 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