and draw them close together, align the necks; for by Him in whose hand is my soul, I can see Satan slipping through the gaps in the row like small black lambs.” An authentic hadith recorded by Abū Dāwūd with a chain that satisfies Muslim’s criteria.

[Explanation]
These hadiths complete the chapter that outlines the excellence of the front row and of perfecting each successive row. They prove several points: the Prophet ﷺ used to pass his hand over the chests and shoulders of his Companions to straighten the rows, telling them, “Do not differ, lest your hearts differ.” He ﷺ would walk along the row from one end, leveling it with his blessed hand—this was his habitual practice. When the congregation grew large during the rule of the Commander of the Believers ʿUmar (may Allah be pleased with him) and again in the time of ʿUthmān, men were appointed by the caliph to line up the rows. Once they reached the imam and reported that the rows were complete and aligned, he would pronounce the opening takbīr. All of this shows the care the Prophet ﷺ and the rightly guided caliphs devoted to arranging the rows, closing the gaps, and denying Satan any openings, so that the prayer is offered in a perfect, orderly manner. Indeed, straightening the rows is an integral part of completing and properly establishing the prayer.