prosperity, “Hardship and ease have touched our forefathers as well.” That is, such had always been the way of time for us and for our forefathers; the hardship that touched us was not a punishment from Allah. So remain as you are, just as your forefathers did, for they did not abandon their religion because of the hardship that befell them.

Allah Most High said, “So We seized them suddenly”—that is, unexpectedly, while they felt secure—“while they were unaware,” of the punishment descending upon them.