And among the people are some* that say, “We believe in Allah and the Last Day**” whereas they are not believers! (* The hypocrites ** the Day of Resurrection) 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 a sickness, and God has increased their sickness, and there awaits them a painful chastisement for that they have cried 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 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; and when they are alone with their Shaitans, they say: Surely we are with you, we were only mocking. 14 But God will turn the joke against them and allow them to sink deeper into evil and wander perplexed in their wickedness. 15 They have traded guidance for error, but their bargain has had no profit and they have missed the true guidance. 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 - so they will not return [to the right path]. 18 Or [it is] like a rainstorm from the sky within which is darkness, thunder and lightning. They put their fingers in their ears against the thunderclaps in dread of death. But Allah is encompassing of the disbelievers. 19 The lightning almost snatches away their sight, whenever it flashes for them, they walk therein, and when darkness covers them, they stand still. And if Allah willed, He could have taken away their hearing and their sight. Certainly, Allah has power over all things. 20