Does One Who Neglects Prayer Also Possess Inner Knowledge?

Question

What is inner knowledge (‘ilm al-batin)? And can inner knowledge also be possessed by one who does not pray?

Answer

Inner knowledge is beneficial only when the outward [rulings] of the Sacred Law are also acted upon alongside it. A person who abandons the obligatory prayer can derive no benefit whatsoever from inner knowledge. [ar]قال القشيري: والشريعة أمر بالتزام العبودية، والحقيقة مشاهدة الربوبية، فكل شريعة غير مؤيدة بالحقيقة فغير مقبول، وكل حقيقة غير مقيدة بالشريعة فغير محصول.

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

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