People are under the impression that a man is perfectly pious when he fulfills the ritual obligations of Salaat, Saum, Hajj, Zakaat and dealings. This idea is incorrect. A man of perfect piety is one whose Zaahir and Baatin are reformed and adorned. There are many so-called deendaar (religious) persons whose moral state comes within the scope of the Hadith: “Their tongues are sweeter than sugar whilst their hearts are the hearts of wolves.” Their external appearance conforms to the Shariah, but morally they are bankrupt. They are plagued by the calamities of pride, malice, envy, greed, etc.
[Malfoozaat Hakeemul Ummat]