(Although Ṣāliḥ is weak, Saʿīd ibn Manṣūr reported the narration through another chain from Abū Hurayrah, so it gains corroboration.) Al-Shāfiʿī and al-Bayhaqī also transmitted it, as cited in Nayl al-Awṭār.

I add: When a follower performs the prayer from an elevated place, that elevation is either dictated by necessity—such as overcrowding—or it is not. In the first case there is nothing to discuss, for necessities permit what is ordinarily forbidden. If there is no necessity and the result is that the rows are broken and the person stands apart from the line—as many muezzins and others do when they pray on the gallery while ample space remains below for several rows—then it is prohibited and impermissible, as will be explained later, God willing, in the section on straightening the rows.

Therefore, al-Shawkānī’s blanket ruling of permissibility, despite the fact that the practice is usually accompanied by the objectionable element just mentioned, is open to objection; ponder this well.

An exception is when standing in that spot allows the imam’s actions and movements in the prayer to be seen by the congregation so that they may learn from him. In that case it is permissible, indeed recommended. The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, once prayed on the pulpit: he pronounced the takbīr and the people behind him did likewise, ascended the pulpit, [then bowed while still upon it], rose, stepped back in reverse until he prostrated at the foot of the pulpit, then returned and completed his prayer. When he had finished he turned to the people and said, “O people, I only did this so that you would follow me and learn how I pray.” This is the ḥadīth of Sahl ibn Saʿd, who said: