What is the ruling on praying in a cut-off row, whether during crowded times or in other normal situations, and what is the opinion of the senior scholars regarding this, along with mentioning the evidence and its source?

Prayer between the pillars and columns of the mosque is a matter of dispute. There are narrations indicating its permissibility, such as the Prophet's (peace be upon him) prayer inside the Kaaba between two pillars, and narrations indicating its prohibition, such as the hadith of Mu'awiyah ibn Qurrah from his father, and the hadith of Anas ibn Malik.

Some scholars, such as Ahmad, Ishaq, and Al-Nakha'i, disliked praying between the pillars. Sa'id ibn Mansur narrated the prohibition from Ibn Mas'ud, Ibn Abbas, and Hudhayfah.

However, Abu Hanifah, Malik, Al-Shafi'i, and Ibn Al-Mundhir permitted it by analogy with the Imam and the individual worshiper. Al-Hasan, Ibn Sirin, and the Kufans also permitted it.

Ibn Al-Arabi is of the opinion that there is no dispute regarding its permissibility when there is constriction, and it is disliked when there is ample space for the congregation, but not for the individual.

The preferred view is the detailed one: it is permissible for the Imam and the individual worshiper. As for the congregant, he should not pray between them when there is ample space so as not to cut the rows, but it is permissible when the mosque is constricted.