Whenever We sent a prophet to a town, We took up its people in suffering and adversity, in order that they might learn humility. 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 And if only the people of the cities had believed and feared Allah, We would have opened upon them blessings from the heaven and the earth; but they denied [the messengers], so We seized them for what they were earning." 96 Are the people of the townships then secure that Our wrath would not come upon them at night while they are slumbering? 97 Why, can the people of any community ever feel secure that Our punishment will not come upon them in broad daylight, while they are engaged in [worldly] play? 98 Can they, then, ever feel secure from God's deep devising? But none feels secure from God's deep devising save people who are [already] lost. 99