Aligning the row. According to the stronger view, this is obligatory, as mentioned previously (1).

Closing ranks in the row, for this is part of its completeness. The Prophet ﷺ used to command this, and he encouraged his ummah to form rows as the angels form rows before their Lord: standing close together and completing the first row, then the next. (2) However, what is meant by closing ranks is that they should not leave gaps for the devils; it does not mean crowding one another, for there is a difference between closing ranks and crowding. Hence, the Prophet ﷺ would say: “Straighten the rows, align the shoulders … and do not leave gaps for Satan.” (3) That is, there should be no gaps between you through which the devils may enter, for the devils enter between the rows like young lambs, (4) in order to disrupt the worshippers in their prayer.

Completing the first row, then the next. This is part of straightening the rows. One should not begin a second row until the first row is complete, nor begin a third until the second is complete, and so on. The Prophet ﷺ encouraged completing the first row, saying: “If people knew the reward of the call to prayer and the first row, then found no way of attaining them except by drawing lots, they would draw lots.” (5) That is: