Fatwa ID: 04294

Answered by: Alimah Sabrina Al-Faarsiyyah

Question

If a prayer leader (Imam) says, "I don't want any gifts for leading Taraweeh in Ramadhan, just give me a double salary only in Ramadan." What does Islam say about this issue?

Kindly provide me the correct answer.

بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمنِ الرَّحِيْم

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

Answer:

If an Imam leads Taraweeh without the intention of receiving any gifts/money, and it so happens that the Masjid committee or the people of the community decide to give him something, then it will be permissible for him to accept the gift. However, this is only when he unexpectedly receives a gift, and it has not become a trend in the community.

If it has become normal in the community that the Imam leading Taraweeh is supposed to get gifts/money at the end of Ramadhan, then it will not be permissible for him to accept. This is mainly to avoid the Imam from leading Taraweeh solely for the purpose of receiving money and gifts.^[1]

Thus, giving and receiving a salary for the purpose of leading Taraweeh is not permissible. If the Imam had other tasks like giving tafsir of Qur’an, or he leads other obligatory prayers throughout the day, then it would be permissible to receive a salary for those tasks.

This fatwa has been previously answered. Also, see:

https://daruliftabirmingham.co.uk/money-for-taraweeh-prayers/

Only Allah knows best

Written by Alimah Sabrina Al-Faarsiyyah

Checked and approved by Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah

Darul Ifta Birmingham