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How does one become an Imam? … how much money would an Imam make, and what exactly would the duties of an Imam be

Answered as per Hanafi Fiqh by Askimam.org

I am 16 years old and living in Boston, USA. I want to become an Imam (inshallah) In another question, you said to go to a Institute of Islamic learning, where are these found? Also, how much money would an Imam make, and what exactly would the duties of an Imam be. Salam alaykum!

Answer

There are many virtues for seeking Islamic education.

1. Almighty Allah Ta’ala speaks about His oneness and among those who
testify to that are people who have been given knowledge.
2. In another place, Allah orders the believers to obey Allah, His prophet
(Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) and those who have the order. The people of
order have been referred to the people of knowledge.
3. Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) said, ‘When Allah intends to do
good to a person, He gives him understanding of Deen (religion).’
4. In another Hadith, Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) said, ‘That
person who walks on the path of seeking knowledge, Allah will make his
enterance to paradise easy.’

There are many virtues of seeking knowledge of religion. Reverting to your
query of where to seek knowledge, a renowned scholar and Sufi states,
‘Verily this knowledge (of Islam) is religion, so becareful from who you
seek your religion.’ (Mishkaat) Human nature is stealthy and generally gets
affected with knowledge. His/her practices, etc. are generally directed by
the knowledge of the person.

If the teacher is pious and adheres to Shari’ah, that will have an effect on
the student. If the teacher is oblivious and unmindful of practicing on
Shari’ah, that will be the effect on the student. He will also be neglectful
in practicing on Shari’ah. The best way to seek Islamic education is in a
traditional way which is close to the Sunnah and students are reared
according to Shari’ah. A consciousness is inculcated in them to adhere to
Shari’ah which makes it easy for them to follow Deen. Alhamdulillah, in
South Africa there are many such traditional institutes, among others, one
is Madrasah In’aamiyyah where we are based.

Generally, an Aalim (scholar) is appointed by the community as an Imaam
(leader) of the community. His responsibility is to create an awareness of
Islam to people and make them practice on Islam. The community takes care of
the needs of the Imaam which is done through a contractual agreement
stipulating the duties and remuneration. The remuneration is merely to
fulfil one’s worldly needs. The real reward of a scholar is from Allah Ta’
ala in the hereafter if he served Deen for the pleasure of Allah.

and Allah Ta’ala Knows Best

Mufti Ebrahim Desai

Original Source Link

This answer was collected from Askimam.org, which is operated under the supervision of Mufti Ebrahim Desai from South Africa.

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