Question
Can we perform prayers behind a paid Imam and if the Imam is totally commercial.
Answer
Praise be to Allah, the Lord of the Worlds; and may His blessings and peace be upon our Prophet Muhammad and upon all his Family and Companions.
If this Imam gets his salary from the state or the public money, then it is lawful to pray behind him. There is a consensus among the scholars on this issue. But if he gets this salary from a given person, then it is dislikeable to pray behind him. But the prayer performed behind him is valid.But if the person can pray behind some other Imam it would be better. But if there is no other Imam, then one should pray behind him as the benefit of the group is given priority over giving up praying with such an Imam just because of salary.
Allah knows best.