(8) There are some among people who say, “We believe in Allah and the Last Day,” whereas they are not believers.

(9) They seek to deceive Allah and those who believe, while they deceive none but themselves, but they do not realize.

(10) In their hearts is a sickness, and Allah increased their sickness, and they will have a painful punishment for their persistent lying.

(11) When it is said to them, “Do not spread corruption in the land,” they say, “We are only reformers.”

(12) Indeed, it is they who spread corruption, but they do not realize.

(13) When it is said to them, “Believe as the people have believed,” they say, “Shall we believe as the fools have believed?” Indeed, it is they who are the fools, but they do not know.

(14) When they meet those who believe, they say, “We believe.” But when they are alone with their evil ones, they say, “We are certainly with you; we were only mocking.”

(15) Allah will mock them and prolong them to wander blindly in their transgression.

(16) They are those who purchased misguidance for guidance, but their trade was profitless, and they were not guided.

(17) Their likeness is that of someone who kindles a fire. When it illuminates all around him, Allah takes away their light, leaving them in utter darkness, unable to see.

(18) Deaf, dumb, and blind; they will not return [to the straight path].

(19) Or like a downpour from the sky accompanied by darkness, thunder, and lightning. They put their fingers into their ears out of thunderclaps, for fear of death. But Allah encompasses the disbelievers.

(20) The lightning almost snatches away their eyesight. Every time lightning strikes, they walk in its light, but when it becomes dark, they stand still. If Allah had willed, He would have taken away their hearing and their sight; for Allah is Most Capable of all things.