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 if the people of those communities had but attained to faith and been conscious of Us, We would indeed have opened up for them blessings out of heaven and earth: but they gave the lie to the truth - and so We took them to task through what they [themselves] had been doing. 96 Are the people of the townships then secure that Our wrath would not come upon them at night while they are slumbering? 97 Or, do the people of those towns feel secure that Our punishment will not come to them by daylight while they are at 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