What you raised above is an issue which has been discussed by scholars in detail. There is no doubt that if someone leads the prayer or reads the Qur’an or calls the adhan and asks those in the congregation specifically for payment, then that is considered as haram.

 

But the case is different from someone who has been appointed as an imam or teacher or mua’ddhin and he is given remuneration for him to support himself instead of his services then that is lawful.

 

It has been the well-established practice of the Muslims down through centuries; the pious caliphs set a precedent and it, has continued through the centuries. They received their salaries form the public treasury or from the endowments or funds of the mosques or institutions.

 

The above practice (and ruling) derives its justification from the consideration of maslahah (public interest). We are ordered to establish prayer and maintain the mosques and organize the services as efficiently as possible. Imamah, adhan and teaching the Quran and Islam are essential services which require dedicated people.  And the community has to look after them unless they are well to do and they are not in need of any material support.

 

According to the rules of jurisprudence, if something becomes obligatory and it cannot be completed unless something else is fulfilled, then fulfilling the latter also becomes obligatory.

 

In light of these, no one can find fault with imams or teachers of the Qur’an or muadhins taking salaries for their work – if they are not able to support themselves.

 

Almighty Allah knows best.