Calamities befall both pious and impious people.

Answer

The sign of a calamity being a punishment is that the person complains, lacks Sabr, and acquits himself ignorantly. With complaint, the difficulties just increase and become worse. On the other hand, the person of Taqwa adopts Sabr, accepts the decree of Allah Ta‟ala and makes dua. He never complains. Furthermore, he attributes the hardship to his own sins and he understands that Allah Ta‟ala is purifying him with the difficulties. Rasulullah (Sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said:

"When Allah intends to do good for a person, He hastens with punishment for him in this dunya."

Understand well, that this is the dunya which is the abode of struggle, trial and hardship. It is not Jannat. The Mu‟min‟s way is only Sabr and Dua.