The answer is that the correct view is that it is permissible, based on the general import of the Prophet’s saying: “The worthiest thing for which you take payment is the Book of Allah.” (1) The one who is hired, or who asks for payment, is asking payment for an act that benefits others—namely, teaching. This differs from one who asks payment merely for recitation, which is not permissible; as if he were to say, “I will recite Surat al-Baqarah, and you give me such-and-such.” We say: This is prohibited. But if he says, “I will teach it to you for such-and-such,” then this is permissible. For this reason, the Prophet ﷺ married the man who could not find a bridal gift to offer to what he possessed of the Quran, on the condition that he teach it to her. (2)

His statement, “Then he recites”: does thumma (then) here retain its original meaning—that is, does it indicate sequence with an interval—or does it merely indicate sequence?

This depends on whether one holds that remaining silent after al-Fatihah is recommended or not. If we say that it is recommended to remain silent—which is the established position of the school (3)—then thumma here retains its original meaning: it indicates sequence with an interval. Accordingly, the imam remains silent after al-Fatihah. But how long should this silence be?

Some scholars said: (4) It should last for the amount of time in which the follower recites Surat al-Fatihah. On this view, it would be somewhat lengthy.

It was also said that it is a pause allowing the imam to regain his breath (124) and reflect