Question Summary:
Is it permissible for an imam to take money to lead Salah?

Question Detail:

Assalmualaikum,
I have a question/doubt, that did our salah is accepted by ALLAH if we offer salah behind an imam who is taking money for being imam, actually most imams do this, if the imam is not paid any money and is asked to offer salah for free almost every imam would leave the job. Please answer me if is it ok or if it is not permitted in Islam, with reference to Quran & Hadeeth.

Answer :

Answer:
In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
As-salāmu ‘alaykum wa-rahmatullāhi wa-barakātuh. 
The ruling issued by the earlier jurists was the impermissibility of taking a wage for leading salah. This ruling was given on the basis that the imam would get a grant from the bait al-maal for their necessities.
However, in these times wherein a bait al-maal does not exist the imam does not have any source to provide for his necessities, therefore the later jurists permit receiving a wage for leading salah. If the imams were to focus on earning rather than teaching or leading salah, it would have a detrimental effect. 
Thus, it is permissible for an imam to take a wage for leading salah.[1] 
And Allah Ta’āla Knows Best
Mawlana Mohammed Patel,
Student Darul Iftaa
Lusaka, Zambia
Checked and Concurred by,
Moulana Ismail Desai
Darul Iftaa

 
Darul Iftaa Building project
 
Assalāmu `alaikum Warahmatullāhi Wabrakatuh,
 
 
We make Du’aa you are well. The Darul Iftaa was established in the year 2011. The fundamental objective of the Darul Iftaa is to train Ulama from various parts of the world to become Muftis. In this world of scientific calculations and technological advancements, economic confusion and political disarray, a Mufti is trained to understand and analyze current situations and provide leadership for the Ummah. There is a vacuum  of competent Muftis in various parts of the world. The Ummah lacks leadership. There are currently twelve students who are studying at the Darul Iftaa. They are from United States of America, United Kingdom, Mozambique, Jamaica, Zambia, Canada and South Africa. There are many Ulama from many parts of the world who have applied to study the Iftaa course. They could not be accommodated due to lack of adequate facilities. The Darul Iftaa has therefore embarked on an expansion project.
The Darul Iftaa requests your generous contributions for the expansion project. The building project has already begun and is expected to be completed within the next three months. This is indeed a great opportunity for you to earn Sawab e Jariyah in the Aakhirah. This is a tree with many branches bearing sweet fruits for your Aakhirah. Insha’Allah. The Darul Iftaa banking details are as follows:
Bank:              FNB Bank
Account#:     62347912778
Branch:           221126
 
(The Darul Iftaa is registered and has the following PBO exemption number: 930039227 – 3 May 2012)
JazakAllah.
Mufti Ebrahim Desai
PS. For international donors, kindly make your contributions through PayPal: