Answered by Sayyidi Habib Umar bin Hafiz (may Allah protect him and benefit us by him)
When harm befalls you, how do you know whether it is from the effects of the Evil Eye or due to one’s sins?
Generally speaking, anything that befalls you is due to your sins, although it can be to raise your station. If it is due to the Evil Eye it usually occurs suddenly and it leads to a state which is not your normal state.