Of the people there are some who say: "We believe in Allah and the Last Day;" but they do not (really) believe. 8 They deceive God and the believers. However, they have deceived no one but themselves, a fact of which they are not aware. 9 In their hearts is a sickness, and God has increased their sickness, and there awaits them a painful chastisement for that they have cried lies. 10 And when it is said to them: "Make not mischief on the earth," they say: "We are only peacemakers." 11 Are not they indeed the mischief-makers? But they perceive 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 When they meet those who believe, they say, 'We, too believe.' But when they are alone with their devils, they say to them: 'We follow none but you, we were only mocking 14 God will requite them for their mockery, and draw them on, for a while, to wander blindly in their insolence. 15 Those are they that have bought error at the price of guidance, and their commerce has not profited them, and they are not right-guided. 16 Their example is like that of one who kindled a fire; and when it lit up all that was around it, Allah took away their light and left them in darkness, unable to see anything. 17 Deaf, dumb and blind - so they will not return [to the right path]. 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 well-nigh snatcheth away their sight; whensoever it flasheth on them, they walk therein, and when it becometh dark unto them, they stand still. And had Allah willed He would of a surety have taken away their hearing and their sights; verily Allah is over everything potent. 20