The Correct Conduct for One Who Arrives at the Mosque When the Rows Are Full

Question:
From Jazan, the Intermediate and Secondary School, our brother Hamud Muhammad Ali Hazazi asks and says: We have heard from many people who said: If a Muslim comes to the mosque for prayer and finds that the row is crowded from all directions, he must pull one of the worshippers to pray with him. We have also heard others say: That is not permissible; rather, he should pray alone without pulling anyone. We ask your Eminence to clarify this matter? May Allah reward you with good.

Answer:
As the questioner mentioned, some scholars hold that if the row is complete and there is no gap, there is no harm in pulling one of them to stand in the row behind him with him. A weak hadith was reported: However, it is a weak hadith that cannot be relied upon.
The correct view is the second one: that one should not pull anyone; because that opens a gap in the row, and the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) commanded to fill the gaps, close the spaces, and straighten the rows. Also, it is an interference with a person who preceded him to this virtue, so it is not befitting for him, nor is it permissible for him to interfere with him. Rather, he should look for a gap, or stand with the imam if it is possible on the imam's right. If that is not possible, he waits until someone comes to stand with him. If the prayer ends and no one comes, he prays alone, based on the saying of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him): And because he (peace and blessings be upon him) saw a man praying behind the row alone, he ordered him to repeat the prayer.
When Abu Bakrah (may Allah be pleased with him) stood behind the row during the bowing, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) informed him afterwards not to return to that, saying: So it is not permissible to stand in a row alone; rather, he should be patient until someone comes to stand with him, or he finds a gap in the row, or he stands on the imam's right if that is possible. If the prayer is missed and no one is available for him, he prays alone, and he is excused, and he has the reward of the congregation; because he left joining them for a legitimate religious excuse, so he has the reward of the congregation like the sick person and the like who was not able to pray in the congregation.

The presenter: May Allah reward you with good.