And some men there are who say, 'We believe in God and the Last Day'; but they are not believers. 8 Fain would they deceive Allah and those who believe, but they only deceive themselves, and realise (it) not! 9 In their hearts is a disease; and Allah has increased their disease: And grievous is the penalty they (incur), because they are false (to themselves). 10 When asked to desist from spreading corruption in the land they say: "Why, we are reformers." 11 Are not they indeed the mischief-makers? But they perceive not. 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 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 God will requite them for their mockery, and draw them on, for a while, to wander blindly in their insolence. 15 They have traded guidance for error, but their bargain has had no profit and they have missed the true guidance. 16 Their parable is like the parable of one who kindled a fire, but when it had illumined all around him, Allah took away their light, and left them in utter darkness-- they do not see. 17 Deaf, dumb, blind - and they cannot turn back. 18 Or (another similitude) is that of a rain-laden cloud from the sky: In it are zones of darkness, and thunder and lightning: They press their fingers in their ears to keep out the stunning thunder-clap, the while they are in terror of death. But Allah is ever round the rejecters of Faith! 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