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The question

How can a Muslim differentiate between a tribulation that is a punishment for sins and one that is a test to elevate one's ranks?

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Source: FtawySummary from Ftawy's records · added here Sep 2, 20261 min readAlso available in العربية
The answer

Calamities and trials primarily stem from two main reasons: First: Sins and transgressions committed by a person, for which Allah afflicts them with an immediate punishment, as stated by the Almighty: (And whatever of misfortune befalls you, it is because of what your hands have earned) and (And whatever calamity befalls you, it is because of what your hands have earned, and He pardons much). Second: Allah's will to elevate the ranks of the patient believer, so He afflicts them to attain the reward of the patient and be counted among the successful, as narrated in the : (Indeed, when a servant has a status decreed for him by Allah which he cannot reach by his deeds, Allah afflicts him in his body, or in his wealth, or in his child). Both reasons can coincide, as a calamity can raise ranks and expiate sins. Every trial is a good and a reward if the servant shows patience and seeks Allah's reward, and it is evil and harm if they despair and show discontent. Most importantly, the servant should always have a good opinion of their Lord and accuse themselves of shortcomings.

Summary from Ftawy's records · added here

Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.

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Ftawy
Original fatwa ID
1781
Added here
. This is when the answer was added to El Fatwa, not the fatwa's date.
Text
Summary from Ftawy's records, reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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