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Fatwa CenterReasons of the calamities which befall us
Question
Assalamualaikum ... Does death of loved one considered a punishment or calamity because of my ignorance towards Allah's instructions and committing sins?
Answer
All perfect praise be to Allaah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad 
is His slave and Messenger.
The calamities which befall a person, whether that is the death of a close relative or loved one or anybody else, happen for the following reasons:
1-Eradicating sins, as in the statement of the Prophet : "No fatigue, nor disease, nor sorrow, nor sadness, nor hurt, nor distress befalls a Muslim, even if it were the prick he receives from a thorn, except that Allaah expiates some of his previous sins for that." [Muslim].
2-Raising the slave’s status and increasing his reward, as is the case when Allaah afflicts his Prophets. The Prophet said: ''Those who face the toughest trials and hardships are the Prophets, then the most pious people (i.e. scholars and devout worshipers) and then those less than them (in terms of piety); a person continues to be afflicted until he walks on earth without having a sin (on his record of deeds).'' [Al-Bukhari]. The scholars 
said: ''The Prophets, may Allaah exalt their mention, are afflicted so that their reward is multiplied and their excellence is completed, and their patience and contentment is displayed, so that the people would follow their example. Their affliction is neither a deficiency (in them) nor a punishment.”
3-Testing the Muslims and distinguishing them from the hypocrites. Allaah Says (what means): {Do the people think that they will be left to say, We believe and they will not be tried?
But We have certainly tried those before them, and Allaah will surely make evident those who are truthful, and He will surely make evident the liars.} [Quran 29:2-3]. Therefore, Allaah tries and tests His Slaves in order to distinguish the truthful believers from others, and so that the patient ones are distinguished from those who are impatient.
4-A believer is sometimes punished with afflictions because of some of his sins; Allaah Says (what means): {And whatever strikes you of disaster — it is for what your hands have earned; but He pardons much.} [Quran 42:30].
Therefore, the death of a close relative or a beloved one may be a test and it may be for other reasons. For more benefit, please refer to Fatwa 83577.
Allaah Knows best.
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