But for a pre-ordained Word from your Lord, and a term [of respite] already fixed, immediate punishment would inevitably have taken place. 129 Therefore, be patient with what they say, and exalt with the praise of your Lord before sunrise and before sunset. And in the watches of the night and at the edges of the day, exalt Him, so that you will be pleasing. 130 And do not stretch your eyes after that with which We have provided different classes of them, (of) the splendor of this world's life, that We may thereby try them; and the sustenance (given) by your Lord is better and more abiding. 131 And command thy household for prayer, and persevere thou therein; We ask not of thee any provision; It is We who provide thee; and the happy end is for piety. 132 They say, "Why does he not bring us a sign from his Lord?" Have they not been given sufficient proof in previous 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 thou: everyone is on the watch; so watch, and anon ye shall know who are the fellows of the even path and who hath let himself be guided. 135