There are two types of trial we can all face when approaching the religion according to Ibn al-Qayyim (ra);

1) Doubts and confusion (Shubuhāt)

2) Desires (Shahawāt)

For the first, this can lead to hypocrisy and disbelief. Excessive doubts occur due to not knowing enough about the integrals of the religion, or understanding the rank of the sunnah or even pride in one’s own ability. This is also exacerbated by external factors such as arguments of the orientalists.

The cure for this is seeking knowledge and attaining certainty.

The second are desires. Desires take a multitude of forms, from basic carnal desires such as eating harām or zina etc. These acts weaken the resolve of an individual to do good and as per the ḥadith, put a black spot on one heart (al-Tirmidhi). Other forms of desires include the desire for wealth, wanting praise or prestige or any other forms which divert one from goodness. 

The cure for this type is patience. 

Ibn al-Qayyim (ra) mentions after the categorisation of these two trials above, that by having certainty (through knowledge) and patience, then one is granted leadership in the religion based on the verse;

وَجَعَلْنَا مِنْهُمْ أَئِمَّةً يَهْدُونَ بِأَمْرِنَا لَمَّا صَبَرُوا ۖ وَكَانُوا بِآيَاتِنَا يُوقِنُونَ 

“And We made from among them leaders guiding by Our command when they were patient and [when] they were certain of Our signs.” (32:24)

Finally, an interesting link between the above trials and knowledge itself, especially with the many discussions taking place, is that the scholars say;

‘[Beneficial] knowledge is one which removes *doubts* and *desires* from it’s owner’. 

In other words, if our religious knowledge which we consume does not increase us in certainty or give us the patience from disobeying Allah, then one’s time with it should be reviewed.