Prohibition of straightening rows in prayer, creating gaps, and breaking the rows

① It is narrated from Sayyiduna Ibn Umar رضي الله عنهما that the Messenger of Allah صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم said:

أقيموا الصفوف، و حاذوا بين المناكب و سدوا الخلل، و لينوا بأيدي إخوانكم، ولا تذروا فرجات للشيطان، و من وصل صفا وصله الله، و من قطع صفا قطعه الله

“Establish the rows, align the shoulders, make gaps, and be gentle in the hands of your brothers; do not leave a gap for Satan. Whoever joins the row, Allah will have mercy on him, and whoever breaks the row, Allah will deprive him of His mercy and kindness.”

① Sayyiduna Abu Hurairah رضي الله عنه reports that the Messenger of Allah صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم said:

وسطوا الإمام وسدوا الخلل

“Place the Imam in the middle and make a gap.”

① Sayyiduna Nu’man bin Bashir رضي الله عنه narrates, I heard the Messenger of Allah صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم say:

لتسون صفوفكم أو ليخالفن الله وجوهكم

“Keep your rows straight, otherwise Allah will change your faces.”