Q 2: In many Muslim countries, we often find people who hire a person to recite the Qur'an; is it permissible for this man to take fees for his recitation? Are those who pay him sinful for this?

A 2: Firstly, reciting the Qur'an is an act of worship that brings one close to Allah. Everyone should perform acts of worship seeking Allah's Pleasure and Reward and should seek nothing from anyone else. (Part No. 9; Page No. 46) Therefore, it was not related that any of the Salaf (Righteous Precedents) hired people to recite the Qur'an in condolence ceremonies, banquets or similar occasions. Also, it was not reported that one of the Imams (great scholars) gave orders to do so or permitted it. They were known for reciting the Qur'an for the sake of Allah and it was not narrated about them that one of them took fees for reciting the Qur'an. The Prophet (peace be upon him) ordered to ask Allah through reciting the Qur'an and he warned of asking people for money by reciting it. Al-Tirmidhy related in his Sunan (Hadith compilations classified by jurisprudential themes) on the authority of `Imran ibn Husayn that he passed by a person who recited the Qur'an and then asked people for money. Then he said: Inna Lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji`un (Truly to Allah we belong and truly to Him we shall return), I heard the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) while he was saying: Whoever recites the Qur'an should ask Allah through it as there will come some people who recite the Qur'an and ask people for reward in return for it. As for taking fees for teaching the Qur'an or making Ruqyah (reciting Qur'an and saying supplications over the sick seeking healing) and similar things whose benefits are not restricted to the reciter, it is allowed according to the authentic Hadiths in this regard such as the Hadith narrated by Abu Sa`id when he took a flock of sheep in return for reciting Surah Al-Fatihah as Ruqyah on a man who had been bitten. Also, there is the Hadith narrated by Sahl that the Prophet gave a woman in marriage to a man and made her dowry that he should teach her what he memorizes of the Qur'an. Accordingly, taking fees for (Part No. 9; Page No. 47) mere recitation or hiring people to recite the Qur'an goes against the Sunnah and the consensus of the righteous Salaf (may Allah be pleased with them all). Secondly, the Prophet (peace be upon him) used to visit graves with the aim of gaining warnings and lessons and remembering the Hereafter. He (peace be upon him) would supplicate for those buried in them and ask Allah's Forgiveness for them and he taught his companions to say when visiting the graveyards, Peace be upon you, inhabitants of the abodes of the believers and the Muslims. Verily, we shall - if Allah so wills - join you. May Allah grant us and you safety. It is not reported, as far as we know, that the Prophet (peace be upon him) recited Surahs from the Qur'an and granted their reward to the dead in spite of his frequent visiting of the graves and he is the most kind and merciful person to the believers.May Allah grant us success and peace and blessings be upon our Prophet and his family and companions!