Do we say that the one who smokes but does not do so openly has a share of the wilayah (close friendship) of Allah?

Question:
May Allah reward you, Honorable Shaykh. This questioner says: The one afflicted with smoking, but who does not do it openly in front of anyone, is he among the awliya (close friends of Allah)? And should he continue in seeking knowledge?

Answer:
As we mentioned to you, there are those in whom the wilayah (close friendship) and enmity coexist. He has a share of the wilayah (close friendship) of Allah to the extent of the faith and correct creed he possesses, and he has a share of enmity to the extent of the violations he commits. Smoking is a sin. Smoking is a sin that diminishes his wilayah (close friendship) with Allah the Exalted if he persists in it and continues with it; we diminish this, but we do not say he is an enemy of Allah. We say his wilayah (close friendship) is deficient, meaning to the extent of the sin he has. Yes.