What is the ruling on a preacher taking a fee for his writings, tapes, and for delivering lessons via satellite channels? And does the ruling differ based on the intention, between earning a livelihood and benefiting the Ummah?

Authorship of books and production of tapes are private rights, legally protected for their owners. It is not permissible to infringe upon them by copying or printing without their permission, and they are allowed to request financial compensation for them.

As for taking money in exchange for teaching Sharia rulings or the Quran, if it is from the Muslim treasury (Bayt al-Mal), it is permissible without dispute. However, if it is from other sources, scholars have three opinions:

1. Permissibility: This is the opinion of the majority of scholars, and it was preferred by Ibn Baz and Al-Uthaymeen. 2. Prohibition: This is the opinion of the early Hanafis and one narration from Imam Ahmad. 3. Permissibility out of necessity: This is another narration from Imam Ahmad, and Ibn Taymiyyah inclined towards it.

The evidence for permissibility is strong, such as the hadith: "Indeed, the most deserving of things for which you take a wage is the Book of Allah." Some scholars weakened the hadiths cited by those who prohibit it.

The criterion for intention in gaining both worldly and otherworldly reward is the difference between one who takes in order to perform a righteous deed (which is good), and one who performs a righteous deed in order to receive payment (and he may not have any reward in the Hereafter). Therefore, scholars and students of knowledge are advised to intend to teach people and spread knowledge, and to make money a means, not an end, and not to exaggerate copyright and authorship fees.