The virtue of straightening the rows in prayer

Question:
May Allah reward you, Honorable Shaykh. Among the questions we received, one questioner says: What is the virtue of straightening the rows in prayer? We see that in some mosques the rows are slanted. Is it permissible for the mosque imam to remind those forming the rows about this?

Answer:
Yes, this is the duty of the mosque imam: not to enter into prayer until he is certain that the rows are straight, aligned, and that the gaps between them are closed. Just as the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) used to pay attention to this, so this is part of the mosque imam’s duty. And the ma'mum (those praying behind the imam) should also pay attention to this, draw close to one another, and align their shoulders and ankles so that their rows are straight and become like the rows of the angels (peace be upon them). Yes.

The presenter:
May Allah reward you with good.