How can we reconcile performing acts of worship—such as charity, seeking forgiveness, and reciting the Qur’an—with a specific worldly intention, with the warning against falling into polytheism through such an act, and with the noble Hadith: "Cure your sick with charity"?

Performing acts of obedience purely for the sake of Allah, without seeking ostentation or reputation, but rather desiring a worldly recompense, is permissible according to Islamic law. Indeed, this is what the Shari'ah encourages regarding worship, even if the more perfect approach is to perform it solely seeking Allah's pleasure, for worldly gains are attained by seeking the Hereafter. Sheikh Al-Uthaymeen pointed out the permissibility of intending an increase in wealth and blessings when giving zakat (definition) and charity, citing Noah's words to his people: "Seek forgiveness from your Lord; indeed, He is ever Forgiving. He will send [rain from] the sky upon you in [copious] showers and extend you with wealth and children and make for you gardens and make for you rivers." [Quran 71:10-12]. And the Prophet, peace be upon him, said: "Charity does not decrease wealth," and "Whoever wishes that his lifespan be extended and his provision be broadened, let him maintain his ties of kinship." Allah Almighty has made these worldly benefits an incentive for people, as He says: "Whoever desires the harvest of the Hereafter - We increase for him in his harvest," [Quran 42:20] meaning, We give him both this world and the Hereafter.