Then there are some who say, "We believe in Allah and the Last Day", whereas they do not believe at all. 8 They (try to) deceive God and those who believe, yet deceive none but themselves although they do not know. 9 Sick are their hearts, and God adds to their malady. For them is suffering for they lie. 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 When it is said to them: "Believe as the others believe:" They say: "Shall we believe as the fools believe?" Nay, of a surety they are the fools, but they do not know. 13 When they meet those who believe, they say, "We believe." But when they are alone with their evil leaders, they say, "We are really with you; we were only mocking." 14 Allah mocketh back at them, and letteth them in their exorbitance wander bewildered. 15 These are they who have bartered Guidance for error: But their traffic is profitless, and they have lost true direction, 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; wherefore they will not return. 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 Verily the lightning could snatch away their eyes. When it flashes forth they walk in its flare. When darkness returns they stand still. And if the Lord wills so He could take away their hearing and sight; surely God is all-powerful. 20