Of the people there are some who say: "We believe in Allah and the Last Day;" but they do not (really) believe. 8 They seek to deceive Allah and those who believe, but they deceive none except themselves, though they do not sense it. 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 corruption in the land', they say, 'We are only ones that put things right.' 11 Verily! They are the ones who make mischief, but they perceive not. 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 And when they meet those who have attained to faith, they assert, "We believe [as you believe]"; but when they find themselves alone with their evil impulses, they say: "Verily, we are with you; we were only mocking!" 14 Allah (befitting His Majesty) mocks them, leaving them to wander blindly in their rebellion. 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 similitude is that of a man who kindled a fire; when it lighted all around him, Allah took away their light and left them in utter darkness. So they could not see. 17 deaf, dumb, blind -- so they shall not return; 18 Or their case is like that of heavy rain pouring down from the clouds, accompanied by darkness, thunder and lightning; they thrust their fingers in their ears at the sound of thunderclaps for fear of death. God thus encompasses those who deny the truth. 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