Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah

Hazrat Abu Qilabah says that the predecessors considered it preferable to move forward in prayer and not to step back.

Ibn Aun narrates that I asked Muhammad whether a person can move forward during prayer to join the row. He replied that in my opinion, there is no harm in taking one or two steps forward. And he also said regarding those who go and join the row in the direction of the prayer area, I do not know what this is.

Hazrat Ata (regarding the person who has something with him and he keeps it while offering prayer, then it occurs to him that he should move it forward) says that there is no harm if he picks up that thing and moves it forward.

Hazrat Urwah narrates that it used to be said, "Move forward, move ahead."

Ismail bin Salim narrates that I asked Hazrat Sha’bi about a person in front of whom some people are offering prayer, then they leave; what should he do now? He replied that he should move forward towards the wall in front of him. I asked, should he recite while walking? He replied, no, when he reaches the place where he is to stand, then he should recite.