the devils have been given influence over the children of Adam as a trial and test from Allah. Whenever they detect a gap in the row, they weave their way among the worshippers to disrupt their prayer.

5 – Part of perfecting the rows is that when three people are praying, one of them should step forward as the imam while the other two stand behind him—whether both are adults, both children, or one adult and one child, they all stand behind him. This arrangement is established from the Prophet ﷺ in voluntary prayer, and the obligatory prayer follows the same pattern unless there is evidence to differentiate between them. Allah is the One who grants success.

1090 – al-Barāʾ ibn ʿĀzib (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah ﷺ used to walk between the rows from one side to the other, passing his hand over our chests and shoulders and saying, “Do not differ, lest your hearts differ.” He would also say, “Allah and His angels send blessings upon the front rows.” Recorded by Abū Dāwūd with a ḥasan chain.

1091 – Ibn ʿUmar (may Allah be pleased with both of them) reported that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, “Straighten the rows, align the shoulders, fill the gaps, be gentle with your brothers, and do not leave openings for Satan. Whoever joins a row, Allah will join him; and whoever cuts off a row, Allah will cut him off.” Recorded by Abū Dāwūd with a ṣaḥīḥ chain.

1092 – Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, “Compact your rows.”