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 And if the people of the towns had believed and had the Taqwa (piety), certainly, We should have opened for them blessings from the heaven and the earth, but they belied (the Messengers). So We took them (with punishment) for what they used to earn (polytheism and crimes, etc.). 96 Did the people of the towns then feel secure against the coming of Our Punishment by night while they are asleep? 97 Or did the people of the cities feel secure from Our punishment coming to them in the morning while they were 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