Imam Standing in the Mihraab

Q: Should the Imam stand inside or outside the Mihraab when making Imaamat? Can he make Sajdah inside the Mihraab?

A: It is Makrooh Tanzeehi for the Imam to stand inside the Mihraab when making Imaamat, without a valid reason e.g. the Musjid being full. His feet should be outside the Mihraab. It is permissible for the Imam to make Sajdah inside the Mihraab. If the Masjid is filled to capacity and because of the need of space, the Imam stands in the Mihraab, it will not be Makrooh. (Raddul Muhtaar, 5:30; Haashiyatut Tahaawi, 1:244)