And there are people who say: "We do believe in God and the Last Day," the while they do not [really] believe. 8 They seek to deceive God and the believers, but they only deceive themselves, though they do not realize it. 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: "Make not mischief on the earth," they say: "We are only peacemakers." 11 Yet they are surely mischief-mongers, even though they do not know. 12 When it is said to them: "Believe as the others believe:" They say: "Shall we believe as the fools believe?" Nay, of a surety they are the fools, but they do not know. 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 Allah mocketh back at them, and letteth them in their exorbitance wander bewildered. 15 They are indeed those who bartered away good guidance for error and gained nothing from the deal, nor found the right way. 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 Deaf, dumb and blind; and they return not. 18 Or like a rainstorm from the sky, wherein is darkness, thunder, and lightning. They thrust their fingers in their ears to keep out the stunning thunderclap for fear of death. But Allah ever encompasses the disbelievers (i.e. Allah will gather them all together). 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