What is the ruling on taking a wage for reciting the Qur'an, and is it permissible to make reciting the Qur'an a profession for earning a livelihood?

Question:
What is the ruling on taking a wage for reciting the Qur'an? And is it permissible to make reciting the Qur'an a profession for earning a livelihood?

Answer:
This is not permissible; it is not permissible to take a wage for reciting the Qur'an, because reciting the Qur'an is an act of worship, and acts of worship are not done with the expectation of worldly gain, but rather the reward is sought from Allah (Glorified and Exalted is He). The disagreement is regarding the profession of teaching the Qur'an, taking a wage for teaching the Qur'an, or instructing the Qur'an. There is no harm in this if one is in need and has no source of income, and wants to devote himself to teaching the Qur'an; so there is no harm in taking a salary or assistance that enables him to devote himself to teaching the Qur'an. Likewise, taking a wage for reciting over the Ka'bah; there is no harm in that. Taking a wage for ruqyah (healing by Qur'anic recitation); there is no harm in that; because the Companions took it, and the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) approved them for doing so. Yes. May Allah reward you with good.