Chicago – August 06, 2025
In India, most imams and muezzins (mu’allims) are not paid directly by the central or state governments. However, there are a few exceptions where government-linked institutions are involved. Here’s a breakdown:
Waqf Boards (Under Government Oversight)
- Imams and muezzins serving in mosques managed by State Waqf Boards (especially in large cities or prominent mosques) may receive salaries.
- These Waqf Boards operate under the Central Waqf Council, which is under the Ministry of Minority Affairs.
- However, these salaries are usually not funded directly from the government budget, but from Waqf property revenues (e.g. rents, donations, etc.).
Salary Range (varies by state and mosque):
- Imams: ₹5,000 – ₹15,000/month (in most states)
- Muazzins/Muallims: ₹3,000 – ₹10,000/month
- Salaries may be higher in major cities or Jama Masjids.
State-Funded Honorariums (Some States Only)
Some state governments (like Delhi, West Bengal, Telangana, and Kerala) have schemes offering honorariums to imams and muezzins.
Example:
- Delhi Government (2019):
- ₹18,000/month for imams
- ₹16,000/month for muezzins
These programs are often controversial and have faced legal and political challenges, with arguments about secularism and fairness.
Privately Funded Mosques
- The vast majority of India’s mosques are community-funded.
- Imams and muallims are paid through donations (zakat, sadaqah, jummah collections).
- Salaries are often low and inconsistent – many imams earn less than ₹6,000/month, especially in rural areas.
The point to note her is that Mualims and Aalims are both paid such a low salary that is inadequate for their daily expenses. It becomes icredibly difficult for them to make ends meet.
