Is praying on the lower floor of the Haram better?

The questioner : I say: A questioner heard that praying on the lower floor of the Haram is better than the upper floor. Is this correct regarding being elevated above the imam and being higher than him? May the upper one be blessed.

The Shaykh : Excuse me, what is the question?

The questioner : A questioner heard that the lower floor in the Haram is better than the upper floor, regarding being elevated above the imam,

The Shaykh : No, the lower floor may be better in terms of its proximity to the imam. Or if it is arranged that way.

The questioner : Yes.

The Shaykh : And the first row is better than what follows it, because it is closer to the imam. As for the issue of the ma'mum being elevated above the imam, this is a matter in which there is scholarly disagreement. Although many scholars qualify this issue by saying it applies when the imam prays alone on the lower level and all the other ma'mum pray above him; they say this is what is disliked. But if there is someone with the imam, there is no dislike in the ma'mum being elevated above the imam. And it is well known now in the Haram that most of the worshippers pray on the lower level. So, on this basis, those who pray above do not have any dislike in their prayer; rather, it is permissible. But as I said, the lower level is closer to the imam, so it is more preferable. The person with the microphone seems to be saying: Be careful, for the time to stand is near, and we will conclude our speech with this issue. And success is from Allah.