Does Taking a Fee for Teaching the Quran Affect the Reward in Islam?

Can a Female Teacher Who Charges a Fee for Teaching the Quran Still Receive Reward?

Question: A female teacher teaches the Quran and charges a reasonable fee to meet her household needs. Her intention is to teach as a form of ongoing charity (Sadaqah Jariyah), but due to necessity, she takes some fees. Will she not receive a reward for teaching the Quran because some people say that if you take a fee for teaching, you do not get a reward?

Answer: The first point is that there is no harm in taking a reasonable fee for teaching the Quran. In this regard, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:

"Indeed, the most deserving thing for which you take a payment is the Book of Allah" (Sahih Bukhari: 5737).

The second point is that taking a fee for teaching the Quran does not deprive a person of the reward for teaching the Quran, provided that their intention is sincere. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:

"The best among you are those who learn the Quran and teach it" (Sahih Bukhari: 5027).

The reality is that anyone who teaches the Quran to others is considered a better person in the sight of Allah, and teaching religious knowledge is counted as ongoing charity (Sadaqah Jariyah). While teaching, one should keep their intention pure, meaning they should teach for the sake of Allah’s pleasure and the service of the Quran. If the purpose of teaching is not merely to earn money or gain fame, but to seek Allah’s pleasure, then certainly, teaching with such an intention will be rewarded, even if a fee is taken for teaching. There are religious schools (Madaris) all over the world where the Quran and Hadith are taught, and most of the teachers in these institutions take a fee. Therefore, taking a reasonable fee for teaching does not deprive one of the reward, provided the intention is sincere.

 Sheikh Maqbool Ahmed Salafi (may Allah preserve him)

❪Jeddah Dawah Center, Hayy Al-Salamah – Saudi Arabia❫