What is the ruling on appointing a mosque imam to an official position, as is currently practiced?

Question:
May Allah reward you, Honorable Shaykh. This questioner says: What is the ruling on appointing a mosque imam to an official position, as is currently practiced?

Answer:
There is nothing wrong with this. It is good to provide salaries for imams, judges, and mu'adhdhins from the public treasury. This is good, for the interests of the Muslims. The interests of the Muslims are not served unless this is done, and they cannot devote themselves to it if they have to suspend their jobs. They have children and homes, so they need something to help them with their financial maintenance. There is nothing wrong with this, if Allah wills. However, his intention should not be the salary; his intention should be to perform this work and to use the salary to help him in obeying Allah the Exalted. Intentions are known only to Allah the Exalted. We do not accuse people or have a bad opinion of them, but we advise, we advise, to be sincere in intention and purpose for the sake of Allah the Exalted. Yes. May Allah reward you. It has ended. And Allah the Exalted knows best, and may Allah send prayers and peace upon our Prophet Muhammad and upon his family and all his Companions.