Is it permissible for the Imam to stand in a place elevated above the worshippers when leading them in prayer, such as a place elevated by two steps?

Most jurists dislike the imam standing at a higher level than the congregants during prayer. The dislike is justified by the imam's distinction, what is feared for him in terms of arrogance, and the possibility of the congregant raising their gaze to follow the imam.

Madhhabs of the Jurists: Hanafis: They permit the prayer with dislike if the imam is on a platform. They differed on the extent of the disliked elevation, and Qadi Khan estimated it to be a cubit. Malikis: They disliked the imam praying on something higher than those behind him and invalidated the prayer if arrogance was intended by the elevation. Shafi'is: They dislike significant elevation unless there is a need, such as teaching the congregants, and there is no dislike in slight elevation. Hanbalis: The well-known opinion is that significant elevation is disliked, but slight elevation is fine.

Exceptions: Slight elevation (such as a hand span or two steps). Necessity, such as a cramped space. The imam intending to teach the congregants how to pray. If the imam is elevated and one of the congregants is with him.

Sheikh Ibn 'Uthaymeen held the view that there is no harm in the imam being elevated if someone is with him, or if the elevation is slight.

Two steps are considered a slight elevation, in which there is no dislike according to most jurists, although it is better to avoid it when unnecessary.