Types of Trials and Their Causes

Our brother also asks and says: If a person is afflicted with illness or a bad trial in his self or his wealth, how does he know that that trial is a test or anger from Allah?
Answer: This is a possibility, and the believer is the doctor of himself and the adversary of himself. Allah (Mighty and Majestic) tests His servants with ease and hardship, and with severity and prosperity. He may test them with these to raise their ranks, elevate their mention, and multiply their good deeds, as happens to the prophets and messengers (peace be upon them) and the righteous among the servants of Allah. As the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: . Sometimes it happens because of sins and transgressions, and the punishment is hastened, as He (Glorified and Exalted is He) said: [Surat al-Shura: 30]. The general state of a person is falling short and not fulfilling the obligatory duty. So what befalls him is due to his sins and his falling short in the matter of Allah. If we suppose that one of the servants of Allah is afflicted with some illness or the like, and he has not done anything [wrong], then this is of the kind of the prophets and messengers; it is a raising in ranks and an exalting of rewards. It may also be an example for others, so that others emulate him in patience and seeking reward.
So the result is that the trial may be for the raising of ranks and the exalting of rewards, as happens to the prophets and some of the righteous. It may also be due to sins, serving as a punishment for him. As is the general case with people, they deserve the punishment of Allah by their persistence in sins and their failure to hasten to repentance. There is no power and no strength except by Allah. Yes.