And among the people are some* that say, “We believe in Allah and the Last Day**” whereas they are not believers! (* The hypocrites ** the Day of Resurrection) 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 disease (of doubt and hypocrisy) and Allah has increased their disease. A painful torment is theirs because they used to tell lies. 10 When asked to desist from spreading corruption in the land they say: "Why, we are reformers." 11 but it is they who are really causing corruption, though they do not realize it. 12 And when it is said to them: Believe as the people believe, they say: Shall we believe as the fools believe? Now surely they themselves are the fools, but they do not know. 13 When they meet those who believe, they say, 'We, too believe.' But when they are alone with their devils, they say to them: 'We follow none but you, we were only mocking 14 Allah will throw back their mockery on them, and give them rope in their trespasses; so they will wander like blind ones (To and fro). 15 Such are those who barter away guidance for error, their trade did not profit (them), nor are they guided. 16 Their parable is that of people who kindle a fire: but as soon as it has illumined all around them, God takes away their light and leaves them in utter darkness, wherein they cannot see: 17 They are deaf, blind, and dumb and cannot regain their senses. 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 all but snatches away their sight; every time the light (Helps) them, they walk therein, and when the darkness grows on them, they stand still. And if Allah willed, He could take away their faculty of hearing and seeing; for Allah hath power over all things. 20