Is it permissible to give zakaah funds to the imam or mu’adhdhin (muezzin) of the mosque?

The categories of people who are entitled to zakaah are eight, as mentioned in the verse in which Allah, may He be exalted, says (interpretation of the meaning):

“As-Sadaqaat (here it means Zakaah) are only for the Fuqaraa’ (poor), and Al‑Masaakeen (the poor) and those employed to collect (the funds); and to attract the hearts of those who have been inclined (towards Islam); and to free the captives; and for those in debt; and for Allah’s Cause (i.e. for Mujaahidoon — those fighting in a holy battle), and for the wayfarer (a traveller who is cut off from everything); a duty imposed by Allah. And Allah is All-Knower, All-Wise” [al-Tawbah 9:60].

It is not permissible to give it to anyone other than those stipulated by Allah.

If the imam or mu’adhdhin of the mosque is one of these eight categories, such as if he is poor or in need, or he owes debts, and so on, then it is permissible to give them zakaah; in fact they are more entitled to it than others, because that is meeting their needs and helping them to do these duties.

But if they are not among the people who are entitled to zakaah, then it is not permissible to give them any zakaah funds just because they give the adhaan or lead the prayers, unless they are among the people who are entitled to it.

The scholars of the Standing Committee for Issuing Fatwas were asked:

Does the imam of the jaami‘ masjid [a mosque in which Jumu‘ah prayers are held] have any share in the zakaah funds? Is he entitled to a share of zakat al-fitr?

They replied:

Allah, may He be glorified, has told us in His holy Book the categories of people who are entitled to zakaah. He, may He be glorified and exalted, says (interpretation of the meaning):

“As-Sadaqaat (here it means Zakaah) are only for the Fuqaraa’ (poor), and Al‑Masaakeen (the poor) and those employed to collect (the funds); and to attract the hearts of those who have been inclined (towards Islam); and to free the captives; and for those in debt; and for Allah’s Cause (i.e. for Mujaahidoon — those fighting in a holy battle), and for the wayfarer (a traveller who is cut off from everything); a duty imposed by Allah. And Allah is All-Knower, All-Wise” [al-Tawbah 9:60].

If the imam of the jaami‘ masjid comes under one of these categories, then it is permissible to give zakaah to him, otherwise it is not permissible..

End quote from Fataawa al-Lajnah ad-Daa’imah (9/381)

Shaykh Ibn Jibreen (may Allah have mercy on him) said:

Zakaah should not be given as a salary to the imam or the mu’adhdhin, but if they are poor or in need, it is permissible to give them zakaah on the grounds that they are poor or in need, not on the grounds that it is compensation for leading the prayers or giving the adhaan.

End quote from the Shaykh’s website.

See also question no. 46209 .

And Allah knows best.