Closing the gaps in the row

It is narrated from Sayyiduna Abu Sa'id al-Khudri (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "When you stand for the prayer, keep your rows straight and fill the gaps, for I see you from behind me."

Abd al-Rahman bin Sabit said: No steps are more beloved to Allah than the steps that move forward to fill a row.

Khaythamah said: Sayyiduna Ibn Umar (may Allah be pleased with them both) saw a man praying while there was an empty space in the row in front of him. Sayyiduna Ibn Umar pushed him forward into it.

Khaythamah said: I prayed beside Sayyiduna Ibn Umar (may Allah be pleased with them both). He saw an empty space in the row and signalled to me to move forward. When I did not move forward, he himself moved forward and filled that gap.

Ata said: The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "Avoid leaving empty spaces in the rows."

Urwah bin al-Zubayr said: The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "Whoever fills an empty space in a row, Allah Almighty will raise him a degree in return for it, or build a house for him in Paradise."

Urwah said: That is how it used to be said.

Sayyiduna Ibn Umar (may Allah be pleased with them both) said: That my teeth should break is dearer to me than that I should see an empty space in the row and not fill it.