There are some who say, "We believe in God and the Last Day," yet they are not believers. 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 When it is said to them, 'Do not corruption in the land', they say, 'We are only ones that put things right.' 11 Now surely they themselves are the mischief makers, but they do not perceive. 12 And when they are told, "Believe as other people believe," they answer, "Shall we believe as the weak-minded believe?" Oh, verily, it is they, they who are weak-minded - but they know it not! 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 God mocks them and gives them time to continue blindly in their transgressions. 15 These are they who purchased error for guidance, but their traffic profited not, nor have they ever become guided. 16 Their example is like that of one who kindled a fire; and when it lit up all that was around it, Allah took away their light and left them in darkness, unable to see anything. 17 They are deaf, dumb, and blind, so they return not (to the Right Path). 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 snatches away their sight. Every time it lights [the way] for them, they walk therein; but when darkness comes over them, they stand [still]. And if Allah had willed, He could have taken away their hearing and their sight. Indeed, Allah is over all things competent. 20