O people, I only did this so that you can follow my example and learn my prayer.'

Explanation

Some men came to one of the Companions and asked him about the Prophet's Pulpit which the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) used, as to what it was made of. They debated and disputed about that. So, he mentioned to them that the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) sent to a woman from the Ansār who had a carpenter slave, saying to her: Tell your slave to make a pulpit for me that I can sit on when I speak to the people. The woman complied and told her slave to make for the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) a pulpit from Tamarisk wood. When he finished the Pulpit, the woman sent it to the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him), who commanded that it be placed in its place in the Mosque. Then, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) prayed on it, said takbīr while on it, and bowed while on it. Then, he came down backward without turning his face behind and prostrated himself next to the base of the Pulpit, and he then went back. When he finished the prayer, he turned to the people and said: O people, I only did this so that you can follow my example and learn my prayer.

Benefits

• It is recommended to use a pulpit, and the preacher ascends it. This enables him to deliver an audible sermon that the congregation will hear.
• It is permissible to pray on the pulpit, and it is permissible for the Imām to be in a higher place than those he leads in prayer if needed.
• It is permissible to use the service of craftsmen for the needs of the Muslims.
• Making little movement during the prayer is permissible if necessary.
• It is permissible for a person praying behind the Imām to look at him for the purpose of learning. This does not contradict Khushū‘ (humility and focus).

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