What does one do if he arrives and the rows are full for the prayer?
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Question:
Sometimes some of the worshippers arrive while the imam is bowing... and those who are behind the imam... and the first row is complete... they are from the north or south side... do they form a row directly behind the imam?
Answer:
It is obligatory for the individual to look for a gap, or to stand in a row with the imam on his right, and not to pray alone. If he arrives and the row is full, he should look for a gap or close the distance between them until he finds a gap. If he does not find one, he should stand in a row with the imam on his right, or else wait until he finds a gap, or someone to stand in a row with him, and not pray alone. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) disapproved of this; he saw a man praying alone behind the row and ordered him to repeat it, saying:Bulugh al-Maram 2:327, and his statement (peace and blessings be upon him): Sunan Abi Dawud 674Sahih (Al-Albani) is an encouragement for the people of trust, justice, and knowledge to move forward. "Those of understanding and insight" means those of discernment and those who lead in good, that they should move forward so that they are behind the imam. That is, it is recommended for the people of knowledge and faith, and the leaders of the believers, to hasten so that they may be an example for others. And Allah is the One to be asked for help.
Q: Can more than one, two, or three people stand on the imam's right?
The Shaykh: Yes, or on his right and left.
Q: I mean, what is the maximum number that can stand on his right and left?
The Shaykh: Yes, if he arrives and there is no one in the second row, on his right, if his right is empty, on his right. If it is occupied and there is someone there, he stands on the right of that person, or else on the imam's left; the imam is then between them.
Sometimes some of the worshippers arrive while the imam is bowing... and those who are behind the imam... and the first row is complete... they are from the north or south side... do they form a row directly behind the imam?
Answer:
It is obligatory for the individual to look for a gap, or to stand in a row with the imam on his right, and not to pray alone. If he arrives and the row is full, he should look for a gap or close the distance between them until he finds a gap. If he does not find one, he should stand in a row with the imam on his right, or else wait until he finds a gap, or someone to stand in a row with him, and not pray alone. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) disapproved of this; he saw a man praying alone behind the row and ordered him to repeat it, saying:
The prayer of a person who prays alone behind the row is not accepted.
لا صلاة لمنفرد خلف الصفlet those of your who are sedate and prudent be near me
ليلني منكم أولو الأحلام والنُّهىQ: Can more than one, two, or three people stand on the imam's right?
The Shaykh: Yes, or on his right and left.
Q: I mean, what is the maximum number that can stand on his right and left?
The Shaykh: Yes, if he arrives and there is no one in the second row, on his right, if his right is empty, on his right. If it is occupied and there is someone there, he stands on the right of that person, or else on the imam's left; the imam is then between them.
Source
binbaz.org.sa
The Arabic text is copied verbatim from the original source, without any edits.