Are afflictions and calamities evidence of committing sins, as in "No punishment descends except for a sin, and none is lifted except by repentance" and "Indeed, a man is deprived of provision by a sin he commits," or are they evidence of a high degree of faith, as in "The people most severely tested are the prophets, then the next best, then the next best"? And what is our situation regarding His Almighty's saying: "And We will surely test you with something of fear and hunger and a loss of wealth and lives and fruits, but give good tidings to the patient"? And is the state of believers always one of affliction?

The misfortunes and tribulations that befall a servant in this world are not necessarily an indication of their committing sins or a punishment for them, nor are they solely a sign of their elevated status and strong faith. Rather, they could be a punishment for sins and shortcomings, as stated in the Almighty's words: "And whatever strikes you of disaster – it is for what your hands have earned; but He pardons much." Or they could be a trial and test, as stated in the Almighty's words: "Do people think that they will be left to say, 'We believe' and they will not be tried?" and "And We test you with evil and with good as a trial." They may also serve as an expiation for sins and an elevation of ranks, as in the Prophet's (peace be upon him) saying: "The people most severely tested are the prophets, then the righteous, then the next best... And tribulation continues to afflict a servant until it leaves him walking on the earth with no sin upon him." The believer must be patient and seek reward from God, for everything that occurs is by the decree of God. They will be rewarded for their patience and burdened by their impatience and discontent.