Taken from: “Ahkam wa Masail in the Light of the Qur’an and Hadith”, Volume 02
❀ Question:
Is it permissible to pay the salary of an imam or khateeb from the donations collected for the mosque?
❀ Answer:
✦ Yes, it is permissible to pay the salary of the imam and khateeb from the mosque’s donations.
The donations given to the mosque are generally intended for the maintenance, administration, and functional needs of the mosque, which includes the services of the imam and khateeb.
These funds support the running of the mosque, and the presence and services of an imam and khateeb are essential to its proper religious functioning. Hence, using mosque funds for their remuneration is valid and within the intended purpose of the donations.
✿ Specific Allocation of Donations:
However, if a donor explicitly specifies that their contribution is only for construction or physical maintenance, then their donation must be used solely for that designated purpose and not diverted toward salaries or other uses.
✔ Summary:
① Paying the imam and khateeb from general mosque donations is permissible and falls within the scope of mosque management.
② If a donor restricts the use of their donation, then that donation must be used accordingly.
Wallāhu Aʿlam.
