Whenever We sent a prophet to a town, We afflicted its people with suffering and adversity, so that they might humble themselves [before God], 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 Had the people of those towns believed and been God-fearing, We would certainly have opened up to them blessings from the heavens and the earth; but they gave the lie [to their Prophets] and so We seized them for their deeds. so. 96 What! do the people of the towns then feel secure from Our punishment coming to them by night while they sleep? 97 Or do the people of the dwellings not fear that Our wrath may come upon them during the day, while they are playing? 98 Did they consider themselves secure from the retribution of God? No one can have such attitude except those who are lost. 99