What is the ruling on linking calamities, or fates, or tribulations, or torment to previous sins, or considering them a deterrent and a protection from sins? And is this considered presuming to speak on behalf of Allah, or speaking about Him without knowledge, or delving into the unseen, or causing harm to Him? And does it amount to major disbelief? And does the ruling change if Allah or fate is not mentioned, or if this is said in a probabilistic manner without certainty?

The statement that calamities are due to sins is not an usurpation of God's authority or an delving into the unseen; rather, it is a truth, as indicated by the Almighty's saying: {And whatever calamity befalls you, it is because of what your hands have earned, and He pardons much} (Ash-Shura: 30), and the Prophet's (peace be upon him) saying: "No scratch from a stick, no stumble of a foot, and no twitching of a vein afflicts the son of Adam except due to a sin, and what He pardons is greater." The sayings of the righteous predecessors have affirmed this. This is also confirmed by the Almighty's saying: {Whatever good befalls you is from Allah, and whatever evil befalls you is from yourself} (An-Nisa: 79), and His saying: {Corruption has appeared on land and sea by what the hands of people have earned} (Ar-Rum: 41).