The Ruling on Being Late for the Fajr Prayer and Praying Behind the Rows

Question:
He says: Honorable Shaykh, I am late for the Fajr prayer, and I catch up with the imam, but the row is full, so I pray behind the row alone.

Answer:
You have committed two wrongs. First, being late until you miss part of the prayer; you must move forward so that you do not miss anything of the prayer. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “Move forward and take care of me.” You must move forward for the Fajr prayer, count this as a good deed, and accustom yourself to it. The second issue, which is more serious, is that you prayed behind the row alone, and the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) forbade this. He said, “There is no prayer for a lone person behind the rows.” He also saw a man praying alone behind the rows and ordered him to repeat the prayer. Do not pray behind the rows; join the row if possible, or wait until someone comes to stand in the row with you. As for praying alone behind the rows, it is not permissible. Yes.