In The Name of Allaah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.

Imaam Ibn Rajab [rahimahullaah] said: When it is the case that the original (place) of Taqwah is in the heart, then none can determine its reality except Allaah (The Mighty and Majestic), as he (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) said: ‘’Indeed Allaah neither looks at your images nor your wealth, but He looks at your hearts and your actions.’’ And in another narration, [he (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam)] said: Indeed, Allaah neither looks at your bodies nor your images’’ [1]

Indeed, there may be many a person with a good-looking image, or wealth, or prestige, or leadership in the worldly life, whilst his heart is deprived of Taqwah. And it may be that there is one with nothing (of the worldly life) but his heart is filled with Taqwah, so he becomes nobler in the Sight of Allaah (The Mighty and Majestic); rather this is mostly what happens. [2]

[1] Reported by Imam Muslim (rahimahullaah) on the authority of Abu Hurairah (radiyallaahu-anhu. Number: 2564.

[2]Source: Jaami-ul Uloom Wal-Hikam of Imaam Ibn Rajab. Hadeeth Number 35]