How does a Muslim Discern if a Calamity is Recompense for his Sins or a Test from Allāh? – Shaykh Sālih al-Fawzān

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

Shaykh Fawzān was asked about calamities which afflict the Muslim.

Noble Shaykh – May Allāh give you success – this questioner says,

How does a Muslim discern if a calamity that occurred to him, is due to his sins or a test from Allāh (The Mighty & Majestic)?

It is because of his sins, as Allāh said:

وَمَا أَصَابَكُم مِن مُّصِيبَةٍ فَبِمَا كَسَبَتْ أَيْدِيكُمْ

And whatever of misfortune befalls you, it is because of what your hands have earned. (Ash-Shūra: 30)

And is there anyone who is free from sin?! Nobody is faultless; however the door of repentance is open, Alhamdulillāh.

Sharh Ighāfati al-Lahfān min Masā’id ash-Shaytān 18/05/1439