Continuation of the discussion on the wages of mosque imams and mu'adhdhins.

The Shaykh : So I say: So I say: O Messenger of Allah, give it to the one who is more deserving of it than me. The Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) said to him: This means that if you are in no need of it, take it, possess it, own it, and then give it in charity; the reward of charity will be recorded for you. It has come to you while your soul is not eager for it. In truth, this is a very important matter: a person who is employed and in no need of his salary should decline it, just as some of the Companions did, including 'Umar ibn al-Khattab. However, the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) directed him to what is more beneficial for him in the Hereafter, saying: Possess it as long as your soul is not eager for it, then transfer it to someone else by way of gift, charity, or the like. It is necessary for this employee to monitor his own self and his sincerity, so that he does not yield to the other employees in the phenomenon we used to observe in Syria, and I do not rule out that this phenomenon exists in other countries as well, even though I have not yet witnessed it. In some of the governments that ruled over Syria, a demonstration would come out, and at its head were those they call... what do they call them? The shaykhs, meaning what do they call them?

The questioner : Men of religion.

The Shaykh : And at their head were men of religion. Why did they demonstrate? They were demanding that the state raise their salaries. This is a declaration like a banner that these people do not seek the Face of Allah (Mighty and Majestic) in their jobs; otherwise, they would have been content with what they were given. Therefore, every Muslim who is entrusted with such a sensitive position must monitor his heart and not get involved in taking money as a wage, rather than a salary or compensation. I think this is an answer to the question, Professor.

The questioner : Here, our brother from Afghanistan...

The Shaykh : Welcome.