Taking a wage for leading the prayer
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The second question of fatwa number 3210
Q2: The people of the mosque asked me to be the imam, either on a salary from the Waqf, or paid by some of them as donors, but I did not agree; because I know that it is not permissible to take a wage for acts of worship, such as prayer. What is your opinion? Please answer me in writing.
A2: It is permissible for you to take a wage for leading the prayer, whether as a salary or a reward from the Waqf. This has been the practice, and the imams of the Muslims have not objected to it; because leading the prayer is one of the public services. So, if a Muslim performs it, he is entitled to take compensation from the general state funds or from the Waqf, and he is entitled to take compensation from donations. And success is from Allah, and may Allah send prayers and blessings upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and his Companions.
Q2: The people of the mosque asked me to be the imam, either on a salary from the Waqf, or paid by some of them as donors, but I did not agree; because I know that it is not permissible to take a wage for acts of worship, such as prayer. What is your opinion? Please answer me in writing.
A2: It is permissible for you to take a wage for leading the prayer, whether as a salary or a reward from the Waqf. This has been the practice, and the imams of the Muslims have not objected to it; because leading the prayer is one of the public services. So, if a Muslim performs it, he is entitled to take compensation from the general state funds or from the Waqf, and he is entitled to take compensation from donations. And success is from Allah, and may Allah send prayers and blessings upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and his Companions.
Source
www.alifta.gov.sa
The Arabic text is copied verbatim from the original source, without any edits.