Is it valid to have a special door for the imam in the mosque?

Question:
May Allah reward you, Honorable Shaykh. This questioner says: Is it considered a recommended practice (sunnah) to have a door at the front of the mosque, reserved exclusively for the imam and the preacher, as is currently found in mosque designs?

Answer:
There is nothing wrong with that, because it is easier for the preacher than stepping over people’s shoulders. It is easier for the preacher than stepping over people’s shoulders, so there is nothing wrong with it. Opening doors in mosques follows what is beneficial; it follows what is easiest for the congregation and the neighbors. It is not said that it is a recommended practice (sunnah) for the door to be in such-and-such a place. No, it is said that this is dependent on need and making things easy for the congregation.