As we know, some who face difficulties are punished for their sins. So, one may wonder how to distinguish weather a person is being simply tested by Allah (S. W) or being punished for one's sins.
In this context, scholars have said that "(as Allah knows a person beforehand), the sign of calamity by way of punishment shows as sign of impatience and ingratitude in a person when a calamity befalls, and the sign of calamity by way of expiation and erasing of sins shows as contentment, acceptance and patience in accepting the will of Allah until relief comes.


Furthermore, if the one who is affected shows displeasure and panic, then it cannot be thought that his/her calamity is an honor from Allah to raise him /her in status because Allah, knew that he /she would not be patient and accept it with contentment. So in this case, it is most likely that it is requital and punishment.


Also, if the Muslim is a devoted worshipper, obedient and righteous, and there is nothing between him /her and Allah but true Uboodiyya (servitude), gratitude, praise, repentance and submission to Him (Allah), then it is most likely that this calamity is a kind of honor and raising in status, and people are the witnesses of Allah on earth.
If they know him /her to be righteous, then they may give him /her glad tidings of raised status before Allah if he /she is patient in bearing the calamity.


Regarding difficulties in the following verse Allah compares the situation of the one who is steadfast in his /her faith and facing difficulties with those who are evil doers and are in a similar situation (difficulties).

Allah says :

If you are suffering (hardship) then surely they (evil doers) are suffering (hardship) as you are suffering, but you have hope from Allah (for the reward) that for which they (evil doers) hope not, and Allah is All - Knowing and All - Wise.

***Sura Nisa 104 ***


So, a true believer can face difficulties with a positive state of mind hoping for reward from Allah and such an attitude can provide true relieve and happiness. Besides, if Allah lifts this calamity from the believer and saves him /her from the torment, then that can double the reward and happiness.

Allah says :

"And give glad tidings to As - Sabirun (the patient) ".
Who, when inflicted in calamity, says:" truly to Allah we belong and to Him we shall return ".
They are those on whom are the salawat (who are blessed and will be forgiven) from their Lord (Allah), and they (are those who) receive His Mercy and it is they who are the guided ones.

***Sura Baqara 155-157***

Let Allah make us remember Him and to worship Him in the most beautiful manner. Let Allah grant us life of eeman, peace and tranquillity. Let Allah grant us death of eeman. Let Allah protect us and our houses from all sort of shameful act and protect our children. Let Allah save us from every single destructive disease and protect us from the life of hospitals and protect us from danger of Heavens and earth. Let Allah save us from going astray after granting us guidance. Let Allah save us from humiliation after honoring us and save us from worries after granting us peace. Let Allah save us from going empty handed after spreading hands before Him. Let Allah by His immense mercy make us faqeer only at His door and protect us from becoming dependant on His creations and protect us from spreading hands before the creations. Let Allah protect our lives, wealth and honour and do not put us in the hands of oppressors and irreligious ones. Let Allah grant us all His shade of victory and mercy. Let Allah guide all the Muslims and make the guidance common among the people. Let Allah protect our nation and grant it peace, stability and tranquillity. Let Allah protect the Muslims from the evil of those who cause fitnah among the Ummah. Let Allah grant us all the good health and cure those who are sick.

Rabbana taqabbal minna innaka antta sammeh ul allem wa tub alayna innaka atta tawabur raheem.
o! Our Lord, accept this service from us, verily you are the Hearer, the Knower, surely you are the receiver of repentance.

Let peace and blessings be upon our beloved unlettered Prophet (S. A. W), his family and his noble companions.

Amin amin thuma'amin.

All

Jazakalah khairan@op

jazakumullahu khairan

Allah yasa mu dace. AMIN

Jazakumullahi khairan

Jazakallahu khair

Really nice post @ Op. Jzk

May Allah make it easy on us all.

Jazakallahu khair

Nice piece. May Allah guide & assist our endeavours. Ameen. Jumu'at Kareem.

Jazaka llahu khairan. So verily, with the hardship, there is relief. Verily with the hardship, there is relief.Q94 VS 4-5

Glory be to Allah for the life of a muslim, when good befall him,he thank Allah and is good for him and when evil befall him,he is patient and that also good for him.

jazakallahu kairan