Of the people there are some who say: "We believe in Allah and the Last Day;" but they do not (really) believe. 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 disease, and so God lets their disease increase; and grievous suffering awaits them because of their persistent lying. 10 When it is said to them, 'Do not corruption in the land', they say, 'We are only ones that put things right.' 11 Of a surety, they are the ones who make mischief, but they realise (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 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 They are indeed those who bartered away good guidance for error and gained nothing from the deal, nor found the right way. 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 They are deaf; they are dumb; they are blind so they will not return (to the right way). 18 Or their case is like that of heavy rain pouring down from the clouds, accompanied by darkness, thunder and lightning; they thrust their fingers in their ears at the sound of thunderclaps for fear of death. God thus encompasses those who deny the truth. 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