Ruling on Taking Payment for Teaching the Quran

Author: Saudi Fatwa Committee (Lajnah Al-Da'imah)

Permissibility of Teaching the Quran for Payment​

Teaching the Quran and receiving payment for it is permissible in Islam. Several evidences from the Sunnah support this practice when done for the purpose of spreading knowledge and fulfilling a legitimate need.

Evidences from the Sunnah​

1. Dowry through Teaching the Quran:
   
   • The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) approved a man teaching the Quran to a woman as her dowry:
     "The Prophet (ﷺ) gave a woman in marriage to a man in exchange for him teaching her what he knew of the Quran."
     [Sahih Bukhari, Hadith 2310; Sahih Muslim, Hadith 1425/76]
2. Receiving Payment for Quran Recitation:
   
   • A companion recited Surah Al-Fatihah to cure a disbeliever and accepted payment for it. The Prophet (ﷺ) approved and said:
     "The most deserving thing for which you take payment is the Book of Allah."
     [Sahih Bukhari, Hadith 5737]

Prohibited Practices​

1. Payment for Quran Recitation:
   
   • It is impermissible to charge fees for merely reciting the Quran without teaching it, as this commodifies acts of worship meant to be performed for Allah’s sake.
2. Using Worship as a Means of Income:
   
   • Organizing gatherings for financial compensation to perform acts like reciting specific invocations (dhikr) a set number of times is considered an innovation (bid‘ah) and is prohibited.
   • The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said:
     "Whoever introduces something into this religion of ours that is not part of it, it will be rejected."
     [Sahih Bukhari, Hadith 2697; Sahih Muslim, Hadith 1718/17]

Payment in Islamic Schools and Institutions​

1. Permissibility in Formal Education:
   
   • Receiving salaries for teaching Islamic sciences, Quran, or other beneficial subjects such as mathematics, engineering, and technical skills in schools, colleges, and universities is permissible.
2. Professional Services:
   
   • Teaching in formal educational settings with agreed-upon wages is lawful as it provides essential services and ensures the propagation of beneficial knowledge.

Key Guidelines​

1. Intention Matters:
   
   • While receiving payment is permissible, the primary intention of the teacher should be to serve Allah and spread knowledge, not merely earning wealth.
2. Avoid Bid‘ah:
   
   • Practices like charging fees for Quran recitation or setting conditions for financial compensation tied to acts of worship should be avoided.
3. Ethical Compensation:
   
   • Payments should align with agreed-upon terms and should not exploit the sacred nature of the Quran.

Conclusion​

Teaching the Quran for payment is permissible and supported by evidence from the Sunnah. However, using acts of worship, such as Quran recitation or dhikr, solely for monetary gain is prohibited. Payment for teaching in formal educational institutions, whether related to Islamic or worldly sciences, is also lawful.