And of mankind are some who say: We believe in Allah and the Last Day, when they believe not. 8 They deceive God and the believers. However, they have deceived no one but themselves, a fact of which they are not aware. 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 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 they are told, "Believe as other people have believed," they say, "Are we to believe just as fools believe?" Surely they are the fools, even though they do not realize it. 13 And when they meet those who believe, they say, "We believe"; but when they are alone with their evil ones, they say, "Indeed, we are with you; we were only mockers." 14 Allah shall pay them back their mockery, and He leaves them alone in their inordinacy, blindly wandering on. 15 They are indeed those who bartered away good guidance for error and gained nothing from the deal, nor found the right way. 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, and blind, they will not return (to the path). 18 Or it is like that of a rain storm with darkness, thunder, and lightning approaching. They cover their ears for fear of thunder and death. God encompasses those who deny His words. 19 The lightning well-nigh snatcheth away their sight; whensoever it flasheth on them, they walk therein, and when it becometh dark unto them, they stand still. And had Allah willed He would of a surety have taken away their hearing and their sights; verily Allah is over everything potent. 20