And if not for a word that preceded from your Lord, punishment would have been an obligation [due immediately], and [if not for] a specified term [decreed]. 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 strain not thine eyes after that which We have given classes of them to enjoy: the splendour of the life of the world, that We might try them therein; and the provision of thy Lord is the best and most lasting. 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?' Has there not come to them the clear sign of what is in the former scrolls? 133 And had We destroyed them With a torment before it, surely they would have said: O our Lord why sent not Thou unto us an apostle that we might have followed Thy signs before we were disgraced and humiliated. 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