Is a disbeliever rewarded for the good deeds he performed before his Islam?

Question:
May Allah reward you, Your Eminence, father. The questioner asks: Are the good deeds of a disbeliever before his Islam, such as donations and helping the poor, counted for him after he becomes a Muslim?

Answer:
This is a matter of disagreement among the scholars. Some hold that the disbeliever's deed is invalid even if he becomes a Muslim; only what he does after his Islam and after his repentance is counted for him. Other scholars say that if he becomes a Muslim and he was doing good during his disbelief, then Allah will count for him the good he did. A man once asked the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) about this, saying that he had done such and such before his Islam, and asking whether that would be counted for him. The Prophet said: This is proof that if he becomes a Muslim, the good deed he did before his Islam is counted for him. And the favor of Allah is vast, and this serves to encourage Islam and call people to Islam.