Leaving gaps between the rows in prayer

The questioner: Our brother also says: He notices that the worshippers leave a distance between one another equal to the length of a foot, and he seeks guidance and advice. May Allah reward you with good?
The answer: It is obligatory for Muslims in the rows to stand close together and to close the gaps; it is not permissible to leave gaps. This is based on the saying of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him): He used to order them, when entering the prayer, to stand close together and to close the gaps. Therefore, it is obligatory for Muslims to comply, to close the gaps, and to stand close together. One should place his foot next to his neighbor's foot, and they should all draw close until there is no gap between them. Some people may harm their neighbors by spreading out and pressing their feet against the feet of their brothers, but this results in some harm.
The Sunnah is to stand straight in one's position and to pull one's brother toward oneself from here and there until they stand close together, and until one does not harm them in any way. One should stand straight and pull his brother toward himself from here and there until they close the gap, without spreading out or extending his legs from here and there in order to press his foot against theirs. No; rather, he should teach them the Sunnah by standing straight in his position and pulling the one to his right and the one to his left until they close the gap gently and wisely, so that there is no discord or conflict, and so that the Sunnah to which the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) called is realized. Yes.