Is it obligatory to close the gaps between the knees when straightening the rows in prayer, in application of the Sunnah?

Question:
He says: Honorable Shaykh, may Allah grant you success, is it obligatory to close the gaps between the knees when straightening the rows in prayer, in application of the Sunnah, since we find some people who avoid it and do not want to close their knees with the knees of the person next to them?

Answer:
Closing the gaps in the row is what is required; you should bring yourselves close to one another so that there are no gaps between you. This is what the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) commanded. As for the one who opens a gap and takes the space of two or three people, and people have to stretch out to cover the gap on his side, that is a nuisance and has no basis. This opens a gap in the row. Yes.