Of the people there are some who say: "We believe in Allah and the Last Day;" but they do not (really) believe. 8 They deceive God and the believers. However, they have deceived no one but themselves, a fact of which they are not aware. 9 Sick are their hearts, and God adds to their malady. For them is suffering for they lie. 10 And when they are told, "Do not spread corruption on earth," they answer, "We are but improving things!" 11 Verily! They are the ones who make mischief, but they perceive not. 12 When it is said to them: 'Believe as (other) people believe,' they reply, 'Are we to believe as fools believe?' It is they who are the fools, if only they knew! 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 mocks at them and gives them increase in their wrong-doings to wander blindly. 15 Such are those who barter away guidance for error, their trade did not profit (them), nor are they 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 deaf, dumb, and blind: they will never return [to the right path]. 18 Or like abundant rain from the cloud in which is utter darkness and thunder and lightning; they put their fingers into their ears because of the thunder peal, for fear of death, and Allah encompasses the unbelievers. 19 The lightning almost snatcheth away their sight from them. As often as it flasheth forth for them they walk therein, and when it darkeneth against them they stand still. If Allah willed, He could destroy their hearing and their sight. Lo! Allah is able to do all things. 20