How does one become an Imam? ... how much money would an Imam make, and what exactly would the duties of an Imam be

There are many virtues for seeking Islamic education.%0D%0A%0D%0A1. Almighty Allah Ta'ala speaks about His oneness and among those who%0D%0Atestify to that are people who have been given knowledge.%0D%0A2. In another place, Allah orders the believers to obey Allah, His prophet%0D%0A(Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) and those who have the order. The people of%0D%0Aorder have been referred to the people of knowledge.%0D%0A3. Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) said, 'When Allah intends to do%0D%0Agood to a person, He gives him understanding of Deen (religion).'%0D%0A4. In another Hadith, Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) said, 'That%0D%0Aperson who walks on the path of seeking knowledge, Allah will make his%0D%0Aenterance to paradise easy.'%0D%0A%0D%0AThere are many virtues of seeking knowledge of religion. Reverting to your%0D%0Aquery of where to seek knowledge, a renowned scholar and Sufi states,%0D%0A'Verily this knowledge (of Islam) is religion, so becareful from who you%0D%0Aseek your religion.' (Mishkaat) Human nature is stealthy and generally gets%0D%0Aaffected with knowledge. His%2Fher practices, etc. are generally directed by%0D%0Athe knowledge of the person.%0D%0A%0D%0AIf the teacher is pious and adheres to Shari'ah, that will have an effect on%0D%0Athe student. If the teacher is oblivious and unmindful of practicing on%0D%0AShari'ah, that will be the effect on the student. He will also be neglectful%0D%0Ain practicing on Shari'ah. The best way to seek Islamic education is in a%0D%0Atraditional way which is close to the Sunnah and students are reared%0D%0Aaccording to Shari'ah. A consciousness is inculcated in them to adhere to%0D%0AShari'ah which makes it easy for them to follow Deen. Alhamdulillah, in%0D%0ASouth Africa there are many such traditional institutes, among others, one%0D%0Ais Madrasah In'aamiyyah where we are based.%0D%0A%0D%0AGenerally, an Aalim (scholar) is appointed by the community as an Imaam%0D%0A(leader) of the community. His responsibility is to create an awareness of%0D%0AIslam to people and make them practice on Islam. The community takes care of%0D%0Athe needs of the Imaam which is done through a contractual agreement%0D%0Astipulating the duties and remuneration. The remuneration is merely to%0D%0Afulfil one's worldly needs. The real reward of a scholar is from Allah Ta'%0D%0Aala in the hereafter if he served Deen for the pleasure of Allah.%0D%0A%0D%0Aand Allah Ta'ala Knows Best%0D%0A%0D%0AMufti Ebrahim Desai