The hadith "The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) was delivering the sermon on Friday and we were around him": Does it indicate the permissibility of turning toward the imam, even if one is at the end of the row?

The questioner : In the name of Allah.
O Shaykh, may Allah forgive you, al-Bukhari mentioned in his book on Friday a hadith, saying: From Abu Sa'id al-Khudri Does this indicate the permissibility of turning or looking toward the imam, even if one is at the end of the row?

The Shaykh : No, the meaning of: is that we strive to be close to him, and it does not mean that they surround him or circle around him. Rather, it indicates that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) was delivering the sermon and they were striving to be close to him. Otherwise, he is delivering the sermon while the people are in their rows. In fact, a hadith was reported prohibiting forming circles on Friday because of the crowding it causes for the worshippers in the mosque, and it also contains what you suspected, namely that the meaning is that they surround him and form circles around him. Yes?

The questioner : Even if the turning is with the head?

The Shaykh : No, turning with the head is permissible, meaning: that a person looks at the preacher during the sermon, this is permissible, and in fact, it is good, because it increases a person's attention. And it was narrated from the Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) .