The ruling on the imam being elevated above the congregation and the hadith regarding this
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Question:
What is the grade of the hadithSunan Abi Dawud 598Hasan li ghairih (Al-Albani)?
Answer:
This is authentic, but it is understood to refer to a significant elevation. A slight elevation is permissible. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) prayed on the minbar, which is higher than the mosque floor. He stood for the opening recitation on it, bowed on it, then descended and prostrated at the base of the minbar. Then he returned, stood on it, and said:Sahih Muslim 544a.
If the elevation is an arm’s length or approximately that, it does not harm. However, if the imam is elevated significantly, it is not recommended; it is disliked.
As for the elevation of the followers, it does not harm. For example, if the imam prays in the lower level, such as in the lower hall, and some of the congregation pray above him, their elevation does not harm. The elevation of the followers does not harm. However, the imam should not be elevated significantly. If there is a need for elevation, it should be slight, such as an arm’s length or similar, if the need requires it.
Question: What if they pray on the roof of the mosque?
Answer: If they pray on the roof of the mosque, there is no blame on them. They should follow him and not be in front of him; they should be behind him, not in front of him.
What is the grade of the hadith
When a man leads the people in prayer, he must not stand in a position higher than theirs
إذا أم الرجل القوم فلا يقومن في مكان أرفع من مكانهمAnswer:
This is authentic, but it is understood to refer to a significant elevation. A slight elevation is permissible. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) prayed on the minbar, which is higher than the mosque floor. He stood for the opening recitation on it, bowed on it, then descended and prostrated at the base of the minbar. Then he returned, stood on it, and said:
I have done it so that you should follow me and learn (my mode of) prayer.
إنما فعلت هذا لتأتموا بي، ولتعلموا صلاتيIf the elevation is an arm’s length or approximately that, it does not harm. However, if the imam is elevated significantly, it is not recommended; it is disliked.
As for the elevation of the followers, it does not harm. For example, if the imam prays in the lower level, such as in the lower hall, and some of the congregation pray above him, their elevation does not harm. The elevation of the followers does not harm. However, the imam should not be elevated significantly. If there is a need for elevation, it should be slight, such as an arm’s length or similar, if the need requires it.
Question: What if they pray on the roof of the mosque?
Answer: If they pray on the roof of the mosque, there is no blame on them. They should follow him and not be in front of him; they should be behind him, not in front of him.
Source
binbaz.org.sa
The Arabic text is copied verbatim from the original source, without any edits.