If the imam and the ma'mum are in the same row, is it prescribed for the imam to step forward slightly?

Question : Now, in this case, if the imam and the ma'mum are in one row, should the imam step forward slightly to be distinguished, or is the prescribed practice to keep the row straight?

Answer : The prescribed practice is to keep the row straight, because if the imam and the ma'mum are in a row, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) commanded what? He commanded straightening the rows. The choice or juristic preference (istihsan) of some scholars that the imam should step forward slightly to be distinguished is a choice that contradicts the Sunnah, or a juristic preference that contradicts the Sunnah. Is a juristic preference that contradicts the Sunnah good or not? Or if two ma'mums or more are compelled to stand with the imam, the Sunnah is that the imam is equal to them, he is equal to them, he does not step forward.