Wa alaikum salaam,
It is permissible to take compensation for any religious action that is not personally obligatory on you. Likewise it is impermissible to take compensation, in the Hanafi school, for mere recitation (not teaching) of the Qur'an.
Aside from the above, it is permissible to take compensation for any act of worship that is a communal obligation or service - as others besides yourself are able to perform. Examples of this are, calling the adhan, leading the prayer, performing weddings, washing the deceased and performing the funeral prayer, teaching religious teachings, teaching Qur'anic recitation, etc...
Counseling is a communal obligation and a great service not only to Muslims but to humanity at large. You are permitted to take compensation for your counselling.
With that being said, one should make their intention in doing such things attaining the pleasure of Allah Most High and not merely the amassing of wealth. One should see their taking of compensation as a means to free your mind to focus on your noble task. Would you be able to benefit others as much if you had to spend time earning a living by other means and only counselled when you had free time. In this case, it would be praiseworthy to take the compensation and use it as a means to benefit more people.
Hope this clears things up and proves as a road map out of confusion
Feel free to ask any follow up questions
Yusuf
It is permissible to take compensation for any religious action that is not personally obligatory on you. Likewise it is impermissible to take compensation, in the Hanafi school, for mere recitation (not teaching) of the Qur'an.
Aside from the above, it is permissible to take compensation for any act of worship that is a communal obligation or service - as others besides yourself are able to perform. Examples of this are, calling the adhan, leading the prayer, performing weddings, washing the deceased and performing the funeral prayer, teaching religious teachings, teaching Qur'anic recitation, etc...
Counseling is a communal obligation and a great service not only to Muslims but to humanity at large. You are permitted to take compensation for your counselling.
With that being said, one should make their intention in doing such things attaining the pleasure of Allah Most High and not merely the amassing of wealth. One should see their taking of compensation as a means to free your mind to focus on your noble task. Would you be able to benefit others as much if you had to spend time earning a living by other means and only counselled when you had free time. In this case, it would be praiseworthy to take the compensation and use it as a means to benefit more people.
Hope this clears things up and proves as a road map out of confusion
Feel free to ask any follow up questions
Yusuf