And some men there are who say, 'We believe in God and the Last Day'; but they are not believers. 8 They would deceive God and those who have attained to faith - the while they deceive none but 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 it is said to them, Do not make mischief in the land, they say: We are but peace-makers. 11 They, certainly, are corrupt but do not realize it. 12 And when it said unto them: believe even as mankind have believed, they say: shall we believe even as the fools have believed? Lo! verily it is they who are the fools; and yet they know not. 13 When they meet those who believe, they say, 'We believe'; but when they go privily to their Satans, they say, 'We are with you; we were only mocking.' 14 God mocks them and gives them time to continue blindly in their transgressions. 15 These are they who buy error for the right direction, so their bargain shall bring no gain, nor are they the followers of the right direction. 16 They are like those who kindled a fire, and when it lighted up all around them, God took away their sight and left them in utter darkness, unable to see -- 17 Deaf, dumb and blind; and they are not to return. 18 Or (still another parable may be cited to depict their condition): heavy rain is falling from the sky, accompanied by pitch darkness, thunder and lightning. When they hear the thunderclap, they thrust their fingers into their ears for fear of death, but Allah is encircling the disbelievers on all sides. 19 The lightning all but snatches away their sight; every time the light (Helps) them, they walk therein, and when the darkness grows on them, they stand still. And if Allah willed, He could take away their faculty of hearing and seeing; for Allah hath power over all things. 20