Is it permissible to pray in a mosque where the inside is elevated by approximately 2 cm from the courtyard (tarimah), and the imam stands on this elevation when the electricity is out, while the congregants pray in the lower courtyard? Does this contradict the saying of the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, that it is not permissible for the imam to pray while elevated above the congregants?

Some scholars dislike the Imam being higher than the congregants. This is the view of Malik, Al-Awza'i, and the jurists of opinion (Ahl al-Ra'y). However, Al-Shafi'i and Ahmad said there is no disliking in it if it is for the purpose of teaching the congregants the prayer, due to what Sahl bin Sa'd narrated, that the Prophet (peace be upon him) prayed on the minbar to teach people his prayer. A slight elevation of the Imam, such as the height of the minbar, is permissible and not disliked.