Is masturbation a tribulation (balāʾ) or a test (ibtilāʾ), and how does a person differentiate between the two?

"Balaa" (tribulation/affliction) and "Ibtilaa'" (testing/trial) are forms of examination and testing that occur in both ease and hardship, both legislatively (Shar'an) and by divine decree (Qadaran). They fall under religious obligations (Takalif Shar'iyyah) and the measures of good and evil. "Ibtilaa'" is often used in the context of evil and difficulties, while "Ikhtibar" (testing) applies to both these and beloved acts. "Ibtilaa'" necessitates extracting what is within the one being tested, whether obedience or disobedience, whereas "Ikhtibar" entails revealing his true state. "Balaa'" is the imposition of a difficult command, and it is called so because it is both a test and a difficult obligation. It is also called so because Allah's testing of His servants is sometimes through joys so they may be grateful, and sometimes through harms so they may be patient. Thus, both affliction (mihnah) and bounty (minhah) are forms of "Balaa'". Masturbation is a form of "Balaa'" in the sense of a test that reveals the reality of one's servitude to Allah: does one avoid something despite his inclination towards it, seeking Allah's pleasure, or does his desire overcome him?