Which is more befitting: to treat what Allah dislikes in the heart, such as envy, arrogance, and hypocrisy, or to engage in outward acts of worship like prayer and fasting while these heart diseases persist?

The soundness of the inner and outer self are intertwined and inseparable. Drawing closer to Allah is achieved by performing the obligatory duties, then the supererogatory acts. Outward deeds are not accepted unless the heart is sound, because the heart is the king of the body. The soundness of the heart affects the soundness of the entire body, and the actions of the body affect the heart. Outward deeds, such as prayer, deter indecency and evil and instill humility, and positively affect the inner self if done for the sake of Allah. An example of the effect of outward acts of worship on the inner self is fasting three days of every month, which removes the rancor from the chest. To treat heart ailments, one must reflect upon the texts of warning against those who allow these ailments to fester in their hearts, such as the warnings against arrogance, envy, and hatred. Contemplating these warnings motivates the believer to purify their heart and seek assistance through the actions of the limbs, and to supplicate to Allah to cleanse their heart of malice, envy, and rancor.