Issue: If the follower is in a higher place, this is not disliked. Thus, if the imam is below—for example, if he is in a lower chamber while people are praying above him—there is no harm or disapproval.

With regard to the phrase, “a cubit or more,” is the intended measure the iron cubit or the cubit of the arm?

The answer is that what is intended is the cubit of the arm: the distance between the elbow and the fingertips. This was the measure known in the time of the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him. What is meant is an average-sized arm, since some people have long forearms and others short ones.

“Such as his leading the prayer in the prayer niche,” …

His statement, “such as his leading the prayer in the prayer niche,” means: just as it is disliked for the imam to enter the prayer niche. What is meant by the prayer niche is the qiblah recess, called the mihrab. The qiblah recess is a curved opening set into the width of the wall. At times it is wide enough for the imam to stand within it, pray, and prostrate within the mihrab itself. This is disliked, based on reports transmitted from the Companions, may Allah be pleased with them, (1), and because, when he enters the recess, he is concealed from some of the followers. Thus, they cannot see him if he makes an error in standing, bowing, or prostrating; this is why it is disliked.

However, if there is a need—for example, if the congregation is large and the imam needs to move forward so that he stands in the prayer niche—then there is nothing wrong with it.

But if the imam stands at the entrance to the prayer niche, without entering it or being concealed from the people, while the place where he prostrates is within the recess, then there is nothing wrong with that.