The Ruling on Straightening the Rows and Standing Close Together in Prayer

Question:
Honorable Shaykh, a questioner asks: What is the ruling on straightening the rows, standing close together in the row, and touching shoulder to shoulder?

Answer:
Yes, these are obligatory matters regarding the rows in prayer. First, it is obligatory to straighten the rows by aligning the shoulders and heels, so that some of the worshippers are not ahead and others behind, because there is a severe warning for this: "Straighten your rows, or Allah will cause discord between your faces." Also, it is necessary to close the gaps in the rows; one should not leave a gap in the rows through which Satan can enter to whisper to the worshippers. Therefore, they must stand close together, with each person moving closer to the one next to him, so that no gap remains between them. They must also stand evenly in their rows and close their gaps. The criteria for this are what the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) specified by aligning the shoulders and heels. This is how the row becomes straight. As for closing the gaps, it is achieved by the worshippers standing close to one another.
No, it is not what some ignorant people do by spreading their legs widely, so that there is a large gap, meaning a big opening, between their legs, and they squeeze the person next to them on this side and that side. This is a matter with no basis, and it is also an excessive effort. It does not achieve the closing of the gaps that the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) commanded. Yes.

The presenter:
May Allah reward you,