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 townships had believed and kept from evil, surely We should have opened for them blessings from the sky and from the earth. But (unto every messenger) they gave the lie, and so We seized them on account of what they used to earn. 96 Are the people of the region so secure that they lie asleep unaware as Our punishment overtakes them? 97 Why, can the people of any community ever feel secure that Our punishment will not come upon them in broad daylight, while they are engaged in [worldly] play? 98 Did they consider themselves secure from the retribution of God? No one can have such attitude except those who are lost. 99