The Ruling on Praying between the Pillars of the Mosque
Question :
Is it permissible to break the row in the congregational prayer with the mosque's pillars, if it is full of worshippers?
Answer:
There is no doubt that it is preferable that the rows be tightly formed, (the worshippers) standing next to each other, not far apart; and this is the Sunnah.
The Prophet ordered (the Companions) to form up tightly and to close up the gaps. And the Companions, may Allah be pleased with them, used to avoid the rows between the pillars, because doing so caused some of the ranks to be separated from others. But if there is a need for it, as in the question, due to the mosque being crowded with worshippers, then there is no objection in such a situation for them to form rows between the pillars, because exceptional circumstances are governed by special rulings, and necessity and need also have special rulings.
Source:
Ibn 'Uthaimin
Fatawa Islamiyah, Vol. 2 Pages 233-234
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