Wages for the Imamate

Q 4: I am the Imam of Masjid Al-Sayl Al-Saghir. I receive a monthly salary from the Ministry of Awqaf (Endowments). But I am worried about this salary because I know that Salah should not be performed behind an Imam who receives a salary for being an Imam. I intend to leave the Masjid (mosque) but I am afraid that if I leave it, another inefficient Imam may lead people in Salah. (Part No. 7; Page No. 416) Some Imams only care about the salary. Some of them commit Bid`ah (innovation in religion), some shave their beards, some smoke, some commit Isbal (lengthening and trailing clothing below the ankles) and the likes of these abominable deeds. I have investigated this issue many times, but I did not find any evidence on the permissibility of receiving such a salary. In fact, I like to call people to Allah's Way anywhere in the Masjid or on the street for free. Allah (Glorified be He) Alone knows this fact. I love to do it for Allah's Sake not to get money in return. I do it to please Allah and He (Exalted be He) shall not make the reward of anyone who does his (righteous) deeds in the most perfect manner become lost. I hope you will answer this question in detail.

A: It is permissible for the Imam to take a salary from the Ministry of Awqaf (Endowment). There is no harm in doing so because the money of Bayt-ul-Mal (Muslim treasury) is to be spent on Muslims' purposes, and paying Imams and Mu'adhins (caller to Prayer) are of the Muslims' most important purposes. The Prophet (peace be upon him) and the Rightly-Guided Caliphs (may Allah be pleased with them) used to distribute money to some Muslims according to their missions and they used to take this money. When `Umar said, "O Allah's Messenger, give it to some one who is needier than I". The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, Take out of this wealth and make use of it or give it in charity. Money which comes to you without being avaricious and without you asking for it, is permissible to take. Otherwise, you should not seek it. (Part No. 7; Page No. 417) May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.