And but for a decree that had already gone forth from thy Lord, and a term already fixed, the judgment would have been inevitable (in this world). 129 So you bear with patience what they say, and sing the praises of your Lord before the rising and setting of the sun, and honour Him in the watches of the night, and then at the two ends of day, that you may find acceptance. 130 Do not stretch your eyes at the flower of this life which We have given couples to enjoy, it is with this that We might try them; and the provision of your Lord is better, and more enduring. 131 Order your family to pray and be patient in it. We do not ask you for provisions, rather, it is We who provide for you. And the final outcome is for the cautious. 132 And they Say: wherefore bringeth he not unto us a sign from his Lord? Hath not there came unto them the evidence of that which is in the former Scriptures? 133 For [thus it is:] had We destroyed them by means of a chastisement ere this [divine writ was revealed,] they would indeed [be justified to] say [on Judgment Day]: "O our Sustainer! If only Thou hadst sent an apostle unto us, we would have followed Thy messages rather than be humiliated and disgraced [in the hereafter]!" 134 Say, "Each [of us] is waiting; so wait. For you will know who are the companions of the sound path and who is guided." 135