Does leaving gaps in the prayer and the rows invalidate the prayer?

Question:
Does leaving a gap in the prayer or in the rows invalidate the prayer?

Answer:
It does not invalidate the prayer, but it diminishes it. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) commanded closing the gaps and straightening the rows when that is possible. As for the Haram, this is not possible due to the large number of people and the vastness of the Haram. It is difficult for someone to sit and arrange the people and straighten the rows. So, in the case of the Haram, there is leniency. As for other than the Sacred Mosque, in the enclosed mosques, it is obligatory to straighten the rows and it is obligatory to close the gaps, yes.