And of mankind, there are some (hypocrites) who say: "We believe in Allah and the Last Day" while in fact they believe not. 8 They [think to] deceive Allah and those who believe, but they deceive not except themselves and perceive [it] not. 9 In their hearts is a disease (of doubt and hypocrisy) and Allah has increased their disease. A painful torment is theirs because they used to tell lies. 10 And when it said unto them: act not corruptly on the earth, they say: we are but reconcilers. 11 Are not they indeed the mischief-makers? But they perceive 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 When they meet the faithful they say: "We believe;" but when alone with the devils (their fellows), they say: "We are really with you; we were joking." 14 [But] Allah mocks them and prolongs them in their transgression [while] they wander blindly. 15 These are they who purchase error at the price of guidance, so their commerce doth not prosper, neither are they guided. 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 Deaf, dumb, blind - and they cannot turn back. 18 Or, like (those who, under) a cloudburst from the sky with darkness, thunder and lightning, they thrust their fingers in their ears at the sound of every thunderclap for fear of death, and Allah encompasses the unbelievers. 19 The lightning almost takes away their sight: whenever it flashes upon them, they walk on, but as soon as darkness falls around them, they stand still. Indeed, if God pleased, He could take away their hearing and their sight: God has power over all things. 20