What is the ruling on befriending innovators, and is it permissible to give a gift to one of them, knowing that he propagates innovations such as lectures, Mawlids, and group Dhikr, or belongs to Sufi orders, especially if this person is a teacher of the Qur'an?

The seeker's conduct towards his shaykh depends on what serves the Islamic interest. If avoidance leads to his guidance, and deters him and others from their innovation, then avoidance is required. But if gentleness, kindness, and counsel are more likely to achieve that, then that is what is required. Avoidance varies depending on the one who avoids, their strength and weakness, and its purpose is to deter the one who is avoided and to make the general public turn away from imitating his state. If the benefit of avoidance is preponderant, such that it leads to the weakening and concealment of evil, then it is legislated. But if no one is deterred by it, but rather evil increases, then avoidance is not commanded. Indeed, for some people, conciliation may be more beneficial than avoidance, and for others, avoidance may be more beneficial than conciliation.