Is the "lesser torment" in the verse: "And We will surely let them taste the lesser torment before the greater torment that perhaps they will return" (32:21) meant to be tribulation, or does the verse refer only to disbelievers?

Calamities and afflictions fall into two categories:

1. If they befall a righteous, patient Muslim, they are a test for the expiation of sins and the elevation of his rank, and a sign of Allah's love for him, as the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: "When Allah wills good for someone, He afflicts him."

2. If they befall a disbeliever or a disobedient Muslim, they are a warning for him to repent and return [to Allah] before the Hereafter. An example of this is what is stated in His, the Almighty's, saying: "And We will surely let them taste some of the lesser punishment short of the greater punishment that perhaps they will return." Interpreters have differed regarding what is meant by the "lesser punishment"; some said it refers to worldly afflictions and illnesses, some said the punishment of the grave, some said the prescribed punishments (hudud), and some said the killing on the Day of Badr, or hunger.