Giving money to people to elect a certain Imam

Q 1: A- Is it permissible for a person to pay money to be elected as an Imam (the one who leads congregational Prayer) of a Masjid (mosque)? B- If we know that an Imam did so, will it be permissible for us to perform the Salah (Prayer) behind him? Will he be considered a Fasiq (someone flagrantly violating Islamic law)?C- Is it Haram (prohibited) to receive such money? (Part No. 23; Page No. 556) D- Is such money considered Sadaqah (voluntary charity) or a bribe?

A: A- It is impermissible for a Muslim to pay money to officials to elect him as an Imam while there are other candidates of better or similar qualifications. B- It is Makruh (disliked) for whomever knows that a certain person gave payment to be elected as an Imam to perform Salah behind him, if he has the ability to change the Imam or perform Salah behind a better Imam with no fear of Fitnah (sedition) or harm of any kind. This is because the Imam who gives payment to win the post is considered Fasiq. C- It is absolutely Haram (prohibited) to receive money for the purpose mentioned above. D- Money which is paid for the concerned purpose is not Sadaqah. Rather, it is a bribe.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.