Some people say, "We believe in God and the Day of Judgment," but they are not true believers. 8 They would deceive God and those who have attained to faith - the while they deceive none but themselves, and perceive it not. 9 In their hearts is a sickness, and God has increased their sickness, and there awaits them a painful chastisement for that they have cried lies. 10 When they are told, "Do not cause corruption in the land," they say, "We are only promoters of peace," 11 Yet they are surely mischief-mongers, even though they do not know. 12 And when it is said to them, "Believe sincerely as the other people have believed", they reply, "Should we believe as fools have believed?" Beware! they themselves are the fools, but they know it not. 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 mocks at them and gives them increase in their wrong-doings to wander blindly. 15 Those are the ones who have purchased error [in exchange] for guidance, so their transaction has brought no profit, nor were they guided. 16 (Their case) is like that of one who kindles a fire and when it grows bright God takes away its light leaving him in darkness (wherein) he cannot see (anything). 17 deaf, dumb, blind -- so they shall not return; 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