Is seeking help from someone, with the intention of giving them a gift or something in return later (as an exchange), considered a deficiency in the perfection of faith that Sheikh Ibn Uthaymeen mentioned in Kitab at-Tawhid?

The ruling on asking people for help varies according to the condition of the asker and the one being asked, and it has three aspects: forbidden, disliked, and permissible. It is forbidden for someone who asks while being rich, or who pretends to be poor when they are not. It is disliked for someone who possesses what would prevent them from asking, and does not feign poverty. It is permissible for someone who asks a relative or friend for something customary and reasonable. It is obligatory out of necessity to preserve one's life. There is no harm in taking something offered without asking for it or eagerly anticipating it.

The intention of recompense is beneficial in permissible and minor requests that people overlook, provided there is no humiliation for the asker. Asking people for help is originally forbidden but is permitted out of necessity. However, refraining from it, relying on God, is better.

Asking Allah is intellectually and legally incumbent, because it involves humility and submission that are due only to Him. It embodies great servitude and demonstrates the servant's dire need for Him. Allah loves to be asked and becomes angry with those who do not ask Him. He calls upon His servants to ask Him and responds to them whenever they supplicate.

Abstaining from doubtful matters and refraining from asking people for help is for the sake of attaining perfection and recommended piety. However, a person should assess themselves in this regard so as not to elevate themselves beyond their true station.