Of the people there are some who say: "We believe in Allah and the Last Day;" but they do not (really) believe. 8 Fain would they deceive Allah and those who believe, but they only deceive themselves, and realise (it) not! 9 Sick are their hearts, and God adds to their malady. For them is suffering for they lie. 10 When they are told not to commit corruption in the land, they reply, "We are only reformers". 11 Of a surety, they are the ones who make mischief, but they realise (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 believe." But when they are alone with their evil leaders, they say, "We are really with you; we were only mocking." 14 Allah (Himself) doth mock them, leaving them to wander blindly on in their contumacy. 15 These are they who purchased error for guidance, but their traffic profited not, nor have they ever become guided. 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; they are dumb; they are blind so they will not return (to the right way). 18 Or [the parable] of a violent cloudburst in the sky, with utter darkness, thunder and lightning: they put their fingers into their ears to keep out the peals of thunder, in terror of death; but God encompasses [with His might] all who deny the truth. 19 The lightning almost takes away their sight; whenever it shines on them they walk in it, and when it becomes dark to them they stand still; and if Allah had pleased He would certainly have taken away their hearing and their sight; surely Allah has power over all things. 20