Is a Muslim rewarded for his intention if he wishes to spend a Christian’s money for the sake of Islam, or if he wishes to participate with Muslims in good deeds? And does bid‘ah (innovation in religion), whatever it may be, affect the worship of its perpetrator, and do innovations differ in their effect and ruling?

If a Muslim wishes to have wealth to spend on Islam and Muslims, or wishes to participate with righteous people in their good deeds, Allah will reward him for his sincere intention. The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: “They are equal in reward” concerning one who wished to have wealth and acted upon it, like one whom Allah granted wealth and knowledge and spent it rightfully. As for innovations (bid'ah), some of them can lead their practitioner to disbelief (kufr), which is greater than all sins. In this case, his acts of worship will not benefit him, for Allah Almighty says: “Indeed, Allah does not forgive association with Him.” However, if the innovation is less than disbelief, its practitioner is subject to Allah's will; he may or may not be forgiven. But he benefits from his sound acts of worship that are not accompanied by innovation.