How do we know whether what befalls a believer is a trial or a calamity due to his sin?

Question:
How do we know whether what befalls a believer is a trial or a calamity due to his sin?

Answer:
The believer knows this. He knows that he has done wrong and that he is a sinner, so this is a punishment. It is a punishment. And if he has not committed a sin, he knows that this is a trial and a test. Allah may subject him to it to raise his ranks. Allah may write for him a station in Paradise that he would not reach through his deeds, so He tests him with calamities so that he may be patient and reach that station.
So calamities are either a punishment for sins and falling short in the rights of Allah, or a trial and a test by which Allah raises the rank of the believer. In any case, there is good in them. There is good for the believer.
And for this reason, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said:
As for the disbeliever, if prosperity befalls him, he becomes arrogant and haughty. And if adversity befalls him, he becomes despondent and dissatisfied. This is like what we told you about the fruit of faith in the divine decree and destiny: that he does not rejoice in blessings to the point of arrogance, nor does he become despondent and dissatisfied at calamity. For this reason, He the Exalted said so that they would not . Yes.