Does shaving the beard diminish a Muslim's reward if he prays, fasts, gives charity, or performs any other obligatory or supererogatory acts, and is the information correct that states growing the beard was enjoined to differentiate from the Jews and Christians in the time of the Messenger, may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him, knowing that followers of other religions today also grow their beards?

Shaving the beard does not diminish the reward of good deeds. The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, commanded that the beard be grown and made full, in order to differ from the disbelievers. Authentic narrations have come to that effect. The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, mentioned the polytheists, the Majus (Zoroastrians), the Jews, and the Christians in the context of differing from them. The Prophet's command to grow the beard was to achieve two objectives: to differ from the disbelievers who shave their beards, and to conform to the practice of the Prophets and act in accordance with the fitra (natural disposition). Even if the first objective (differing from the shaven disbelievers) were to cease, the second objective (conforming to the fitra and the Prophets) remains, and the ruling for its continuation remains in effect.