There are some people who say: 'We believe in Allah and the Last Day, 'yet they are not believers. 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, so Allah has increased their disease; and for them is a painful punishment, because of their lies. 10 When they are told not to commit corruption in the land, they reply, "We are only reformers". 11 Verily! They are the ones who make mischief, but they perceive not. 12 When it is said to them, 'Believe as the people believe', they say, 'Shall we believe, as fools believe?' Truly, they are the foolish ones, but they do not know. 13 To the believers they declare belief and, in secret to their own devils, they say, "We were only mocking". 14 [But] Allah mocks them and prolongs them in their transgression [while] they wander blindly. 15 Such are those who barter away guidance for error, their trade did not profit (them), nor are they guided. 16 Their similitude is that of a man who kindled a fire; when it lighted all around him, Allah took away their light and left them in utter darkness. So they could not see. 17 deaf, dumb, and blind: they will never return [to the right path]. 18 Or (still another parable may be cited to depict their condition): heavy rain is falling from the sky, accompanied by pitch darkness, thunder and lightning. When they hear the thunderclap, they thrust their fingers into their ears for fear of death, but Allah is encircling the disbelievers on all sides. 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