Whenever We sent a prophet to a town, We took up its people in suffering and adversity, in order that they might learn humility. 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 the villages believed and been cautious, We would have opened upon them the blessings from heaven and earth. But they belied, and We seized them for what they earned. 96 Do the people of these towns now feel secure against the coming of Our punishment upon them by night while they are asleep? 97 Or else did they feel secure against its coming in broad daylight while they played about (care-free)? 98 Are they then secure from Allah's scheme? None deemeth himself secure from Allah's scheme save folk that perish. 99