What is the ruling on taking money in exchange for appearing in a television commercial?

The ruling on advertising and publicity follows the ruling on what is being advertised and the means of advertising. If what is being advertised is permissible according to Islamic law and the means of advertising are permissible, then the advertising is lawful and its earnings are halal. However, if what is being advertised is not permissible, then the advertising is forbidden and its earnings are ill-gotten gain. This is subject to the rule "The means have the rulings of their objectives," which is derived from the hadith "Indeed, actions are by intentions."