And of mankind are some who say: we believe in Allah and in the Last Day: whereas they are not believers. 8 They [think to] deceive Allah and those who believe, but they deceive not except themselves and perceive [it] not. 9 In their hearts is disease, so Allah has increased their disease; and for them is a painful punishment because they [habitually] used to lie. 10 And when they are told, "Do not spread corruption on earth," they answer, "We are but improving things!" 11 Truly, they are the workers of corruption but they are not aware. 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 will mock at them and prolong them in sin, blundering blindly. 15 These are the people who purchased error in exchange of guidance – so their bargain did not profit them, and they did not know how to trade. 16 Their parable is that of people who kindle a fire: but as soon as it has illumined all around them, God takes away their light and leaves them in utter darkness, wherein they cannot see: 17 Deaf, dumb and blind; and they return not. 18 Or like rain pouring from the sky which hides within it darkness, thunder and lightning. They thrust their fingers into their ears for safety against noise and death. But God surrounds those who believe not from all sides. 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