What is the ruling on spacing between worshippers in congregational prayer due to the coronavirus pandemic?
The commands the completion of the first row then the next, and the straightening of rows, aligning shoulders, and filling gaps. "Taras" (compactness) means the worshippers standing close together without leaving spaces. Some scholars believe it is obligatory to straighten rows and maintain compactness, but the prayer is valid even with a gap, and the prayer of an individual behind the row is valid if there is an excuse.
It is permissible to forgo compactness in rows when there is an excuse, such as fear of contagion spread. The prayer remains valid because this is analogous to the waiving of obligations, conditions, and pillars due to incapacity, and it is better than suspending mosque activities and congregational prayers.
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