It is prescribed for the Muslim to strive for the front row and to be close to the imam

Q: The questioner, brother M. M. Z. from Khamis Mushait, says in his question: I have noticed in some mosques that many people, when they enter to perform the prayer and the prayer has not yet begun, do not move forward to the front rows or to the Raudah, but rather they disperse throughout the mosque to the right and left and in the back. After the iqamah, they draw close and form rows, but they do not strive to be close to the imam. Is their action in accordance with the Sunnah? And if it is not, is there any advice for them?

A: It is prescribed for the Muslim, when he comes to the mosque, to move forward to the front row and to strive to be close to the imam. When the front row is filled, it is prescribed for the Muslim to move forward to the second row, and so on, and any deficiency should be in the last row. This is how the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) guided his Ummah and commanded them to do so. The right side of every row is better than its left. Among what has been reported in this regard is his saying (peace and blessings be upon him) to his Companions (may Allah be pleased with them): : They said, “O Messenger of Allah, how do the angels form their rows before their Lord?” He said, (peace and blessings be upon him): And success is from Allah.