And of mankind are some who say: we believe in Allah and in the Last Day: whereas they are not believers. 8 They would trick God and the believers, and only themselves they deceive, and they are not aware. 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 Yet they are surely mischief-mongers, even though they do not know. 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 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 mocks at them and gives them increase in their wrong-doings to wander blindly. 15 These are the people who have bartered away Guidance for error, but this is a profitless bargain that they have made, and they are not at all on the right way. 16 Their example is that of one who kindled a fire, but when it illuminated what was around him, Allah took away their light and left them in darkness [so] they could not see. 17 deaf, dumb, blind -- so they shall not return; 18 Or (another similitude) is that of a rain-laden cloud from the sky: In it are zones of darkness, and thunder and lightning: They press their fingers in their ears to keep out the stunning thunder-clap, the while they are in terror of death. But Allah is ever round the rejecters of Faith! 19 The lightning almost takes away their sight: whenever it flashes upon them, they walk on, but as soon as darkness falls around them, they stand still. Indeed, if God pleased, He could take away their hearing and their sight: God has power over all things. 20