How do I distinguish between God's punishment and His reward in the events that befall me? And will I be held accountable for the gazes of young men at me due to my beauty, despite my current inability to wear the niqab?

The believer hopes in his Lord and fears his sins. If good befalls him, he knows it is Allah's grace and thanks Him for it. If a calamity befalls him, he knows it is due to his sin and shortcomings, as Allah Almighty says: "And whatever strikes you of disaster - it is because of what your hands have earned, and He pardons much."

Evil deeds and good deeds are prolific; they pull each other along. If a servant is afflicted by missing a prayer, let him know that his previous disobedience is what led to that, and let him repent to Allah for all his sins, for He accepts repentance as long as the soul has not reached the throat.

The Muslim woman must thank Allah for His blessings, strive in His worship, and know that sins are acquired and bring evil, and may be a consequence of a previous sin.

If a calamity befalls her, let her repent to Allah and fear His wrath. She must cover her face from the sight of men as soon as she reaches puberty. Studying is not an excuse for uncovering the face. Rather, she must fear Allah and hasten to cover her face from strangers to prevent temptation.