And We sent to no city a prophet [who was denied] except that We seized its people with poverty and hardship that they might humble themselves [to Allah]. 94 then We transformed the affliction into ease of life, so that they throve and said [to themselves,] "Misfortune and hardship befell our forefathers as well - whereupon We took them to task, all of a sudden, without their being aware [of what was coming]. 95 Yet had the peoples of the cities believed and been godfearing, We would have opened upon them blessings from heaven and earth; but they cried lies, and so We seized them for what they earned. 96 Are the people of the townships then secure from the coming of Our wrath upon them as a night-raid while they sleep? 97 What! do the people of the towns feel secure from Our punishment coming to them in the morning while they play? 98 Can they remain secure against the plan of God? Only they feel secure against the plan of God who are certain of being ruined. 99