There are some people who say: 'We believe in Allah and the Last Day, 'yet they are not believers. 8 They think to beguile Allah and those who believe, and they beguile none save themselves; but they perceive not. 9 In their hearts is a disease; and Allah has increased their disease: And grievous is the penalty they (incur), because they are false (to themselves). 10 When it is said to them, 'Do not corrupt in the land,' they reply, 'We are only reformers.' 11 Unquestionably, it is they who are the corrupters, but they perceive [it] not. 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 the faithful they say: "We believe;" but when alone with the devils (their fellows), they say: "We are really with you; we were joking." 14 (Little do they realize that) Allah is mocking at them. He gives them rope enough, and they wander on and on blindly in their mischief and rebellion. 15 These are the people who purchased error in exchange of guidance – so their bargain did not profit them, and they did not know how to trade. 16 Their parable is like the parable of one who kindled a fire, but when it had illumined all around him, Allah took away their light, and left them in utter darkness-- they do not see. 17 They are deaf, dumb and blind, and shall never return; 18 Or like abundant rain from the cloud in which is utter darkness and thunder and lightning; they put their fingers into their ears because of the thunder peal, for fear of death, and Allah encompasses the unbelievers. 19 The lightning almost takes away their sight; whenever it shines on them they walk in it, and when it becomes dark to them they stand still; and if Allah had pleased He would certainly have taken away their hearing and their sight; surely Allah has power over all things. 20