The Qur'an (Oxford World's Classics)

202 The Quran
128 Do they not draw a lesson from the many generations We
destroyed before them, through whose dwelling places they now
walk? There truly are signs in this for anyone with understanding!
129 If it were not for a preordained Word from your Lord [Prophet],
they would already have been destroyed. Their time has been set,
130 so [Prophet] be patient with what they say – celebrate the praise
of your Lord, before the rising and setting of the sun, celebrate His
praise during the night, and at the beginning and end of the day, so
that you may find contentment – 131 and do not gaze longingly at
what We have given some of them to enjoy, the finery of this present
life: We test them through this, but the provision of your Lord is
better and more lasting. 132 Order your people a to pray, and pray
steadfastly yourself. We are not asking you to give Us provision; b
We provide for you, and the rewards of the Hereafter belong to the
devout.
133 The disbelievers say, ‘Why does he not bring us a sign from his
Lord?’ Have they not been given clear proof confirming what was
in the earlier scriptures? 134 If We had destroyed them through
punishment before this Messenger came, they would have said,
‘Lord, if only You had sent us a messenger, we could have followed
Your revelations before we suffered humiliation and disgrace!’
135 [Prophet], say, ‘We are all waiting, so you carry on waiting: you
will come to learn who has followed the even path, and been rightly
guided.’
a Or ‘your family’. b Cf. 51: 57.
20: 128