Is hiring someone for acts of worship such as Hajj, Adhan, or teaching the Quran and Fiqh permissible?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Hajj
Primary text
There are two narrations regarding hiring individuals for acts of worship whose benefit extends beyond the performer and requires the performer to be qualified for closeness to God (Qurbah). The view permitting it is supported by Malik, Shafi'i, and Ibn al-Mundhir. The evidence cited is the Prophet's saying: "The most worthy thing you take payment for is the Book of Allah," narrated by Al-Bukhari. Furthermore, the Companions took payment (Ja'l) for Ruqyah (exorcism/healing using the Quran) based on the Book of Allah, and they informed the Prophet (peace be upon him) who confirmed their action. Additionally, since providing sustenance (Nafaqah) for these acts is permissible, hiring (Istijar) for them is also permissible, similar to building mosques and bridges.
Supporting text
The opposing narration, which prohibits it, is the established view of Abu Hanifa and Ishaq. This view is supported by the incident where Ubadah ibn al-Samit taught a man the Quran, was gifted a bow, and the Prophet (peace be upon him) warned him against accepting it, saying, "If you wish to wear a bow of fire, then wear it." Also, the Prophet (peace be upon him) instructed Uthman ibn Abi Al-As to appoint a Mu'adhdhin who would not take wages for his call to prayer. Furthermore, since these acts are forms of worship requiring the performer to be qualified for Qurbah, taking wages for them is impermissible, analogous to prayer and fasting.