How the Imam Advances in Prayer When a Third Person Enters

It is stated that there were two people praying the 'Asr prayer in congregation, and a third person came to them after they had entered the prayer. The Imam advanced because there was no space behind him for one of the ma'mums or one of the two men to return to. Is it permissible for the Imam to advance, especially since we know from the hadith that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) directed that one of the two should stay behind and the Imam should not advance?
Answer: If the Imam is in a position where he can pray and the two can stay behind, then if the Imam is in a position where they cannot stay behind, he advances, and there is no harm; there is nothing wrong with it. The important thing is that there is space in the place. If the space is behind him, the one with him stays behind with the other, and they pray behind him, just as the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) did. He was praying, and Jabir and Jibair came and lined up to his right and left, so he moved them back and placed them behind him. Similarly, in his story with Anas and the orphan, he placed them behind him. However, if they all lined up against the wall, with the wall behind them and the space in front of them, then he advances; the Imam advances and prays with them. This is what is prescribed. Yes.
The presenter: May Allah bless you, and may Allah reward you with good.