Some people say, "We believe in God and the Day of Judgment," but they are not true believers. 8 They would trick God and the believers, and only themselves they deceive, and they are not aware. 9 In their hearts is a disease, so Allah has increased their disease; and for them is a painful punishment, because of their lies. 10 And when they are told, "Do not spread corruption on earth," they answer, "We are but improving things!" 11 Oh, verily, it is they, they who are spreading corruption but they perceive it not? 12 When asked to believe as others do, they say: "Should we believe like fools?" And yet they are the fools, even though they do not know. 13 And when they fall in with those who believe, they say: We believe; but when they go apart to their devils they declare: Lo! we are with you; verily we did but mock. 14 Allah (Himself) doth mock them, leaving them to wander blindly on in their contumacy. 15 These are they who purchase error at the price of guidance, so their commerce doth not prosper, neither are they guided. 16 The likeness of them is as the likeness of a man who kindled a fire, and when it lit all about him God took away their light, and left them in darkness unseeing 17 Deaf, dumb and blind - so they will not return [to the right path]. 18 Or like a rainstorm from the sky, in which are darkness, thunder and lightning; they thrust their fingers in their ears due to the thunderclaps, fearing death; and Allah has the disbelievers encompassed. 19 Verily the lightning could snatch away their eyes. When it flashes forth they walk in its flare. When darkness returns they stand still. And if the Lord wills so He could take away their hearing and sight; surely God is all-powerful. 20