How can one distinguish between something that befell him being a punishment or a trial from Allah Almighty?

It is advisable to seek Allah's help and supplicate, especially after prayer and in the last part of the night, as evidenced by the Hadith (definition) regarding Allah's descent to the lowest heaven in the last third of the night. Also mentioned are authentic supplications for settling debts, among them: "O Allah, suffice me with Your lawful provision against Your unlawful, and enrich me by Your grace, independently of anyone else." And the supplication: "O Allah, Lord of the seven heavens, and Lord of the Magnificent Throne… settle our debts for us and enrich us from poverty." And the supplication: "O Allah, Possessor of Sovereignty, You give sovereignty to whom You will… have mercy on me, a mercy by which You make me independent of the mercy of anyone other than You." It is emphasized that piety towards Allah is a cause for relieving distress and facilitating matters, as evidenced by the noble verses: "And whoever fears Allah – He will make for him ease in his affair," and "And whoever fears Allah – He will make for him a way out, And will provide for him from where he does not expect."