And of mankind are some who say: We believe in Allah and the Last Day, when they believe not. 8 They seek to deceive God and the believers, but they only deceive themselves, though they do not realize it. 9 In their hearts is a disease, which God has increased. They will have a painful punishment, because they have been lying. 10 When it is said to them, 'Do not corrupt in the land,' they reply, 'We are only reformers.' 11 Unquestionably, it is they who are the corrupters, but they perceive [it] 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 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 mocketh back at them, and letteth them in their exorbitance wander bewildered. 15 [for] it is they who have taken error in exchange for guidance; and neither has their bargain brought them gain, nor have they found guidance [elsewhere]. 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 They are deaf, dumb, and blind, so they return not (to the Right Path). 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