What is the ruling on the money that a guide takes for going out with the pilgrims?

The questioner : The amount that the guide or the administrator who works in the endowments takes, who goes out with the pilgrims, what is the ruling on its permissibility?

The Shaykh : If Allah wills, they give it to him while he is in their house, but he does not ask for it.

The questioner : He does not ask for it, yes.

The Shaykh : Do you know that in the early days of Islam, in the time of 'Umar, or the two 'Umars, 'Umar ibn al-Khattab and 'Umar ibn 'Abd al-'Aziz, every newborn had a salary.

The questioner : Allahu Akbar, O Allah, glorify Islam.

The Shaykh : O Allah, amen. Therefore, this answer applies to all employees in legitimate positions, such as the imam, the mu'adhdhin, the khatib, and the teacher of religious lessons. This is a salary or pension. However, these employees in religious positions should not make the position their profession or their means of earning. Rather, the work they perform in this position should be for the face of Allah (Blessed and Exalted is He). With this pure intention, the Muslim is saved from being insincere in his worship, in his obedience to his Lord, in his performance of the imamah, in his teaching, and so on. If he seeks the face of Allah (Mighty and Majestic), then it does not harm him what salary or pension he is employed for, if he intends thereby the face of Allah (Blessed and Exalted is He).