M. H. Shakir, The Holy Quran; Arabic Text and English Translation; Foot-notes by M. H. Shakir (1974)

inordinacy, blindly wandering on.

16. These are they who buy error for the right direction, so their bargain shall bring no gain, nor are they the followers of the right direction.

17. 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.

18. Deaf, dumb (and) blind, so they will not turn back.

19. 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.

20. 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.

21. O men! serve your Lord Who created you and those before you so that you may