Does the rectification of the outward appearance necessarily imply, with certainty, the rectification of the inward state?

The questioner : The second question: We apologize for the poor audio quality at the beginning. The rectification of outward appearances is a Shari'ah cause for the rectification of inward states. We have learned from our masters and the great ones in knowledge that a cause necessarily produces its effect, just as the setting of the sun is a cause for the existence of prayer. So, if the rectification of the outward appearance is a Shari'ah cause, does it necessarily produce the rectification of the inward state? What about Abdullah ibn Abi ibn Salul, who was among those whose outward appearance was rectified, yet he was a hypocrite? Thank you.

The Shaykh : Yes, ah, every rule has exceptions, because you, and you...The questioner : You cannot say that if the heart of a Muslim is rectified, his outward appearance will not be rectified. It is impossible for a Muslim to imagine that if his heart is rectified, his outward appearance cannot be rectified, is that not so? Let me proceed with my speech and repeat what I am saying: It is impossible for a Muslim to imagine that his heart is sound while his outward appearance remains corrupt. Does he imagine this?

The questioner : The truth is that the question was...

The Shaykh : No, no, I know your question.

The questioner : The rectification of the outward appearance?

The Shaykh : No, please allow me, may Allah reward you. I want to lay the groundwork for answering your question.

The questioner: Go ahead.

The Shaykh : But this groundwork was based on directing a question, because in order for me to understand your previous question, I want to understand your answer to this question: Do you imagine, and you are a Muslim like me, that the heart of a sincere Muslim man who believes in Allah and His Messenger remains with a corrupt outward appearance that is not rectified? Do you imagine this?

The questioner: I cannot imagine it.

The Shaykh : Do you not think so?

The questioner : I do not imagine it.

The Shaykh : Ah, well done. You do not think so, you do not imagine it. Now we return to answering your question. The great hypocrite whom you cited as an example, was his heart rectified? The answer is no.

The questioner : Certainly not.

The Shaykh : Certainly not. So, when I said that the inward heart is connected to the outward appearance and the outward appearance is connected to the inward heart, I did not say that the beginning must be from the outward appearance, so that your question would be addressed. Ah, please go ahead. It seems to me, and Allah knows best, that your question was based on the idea that if a person's outward appearance is rectified—for example, a person who dresses beautifully and is good and good and so on—while his heart is ruined and desolate, then this would bring rectification into his heart. This is not what I said, and I will not say it, and I do not imagine a Muslim saying it...