In congregational prayer, when the row is not straight, who should be followed in the row: the one on the right or the one on the left?

Straightening the rows in prayer is obligatory, and it means the worshippers stand in their rows in a single alignment without any one advancing or falling behind. This is achieved by aligning the necks, shoulders, and ankles. The consideration for an uneven row lies at its beginning, which is directly behind the Imam, so that the Imam is in the middle of the row. The Sunnah is for the row to start from behind the Imam, then for the two ends to straighten, aligning with the area behind the Imam, and for the row to be straightened from its ends. It is obligatory to ensure the straightness and alignment of the row and to fill gaps. Worshippers should be lenient with their brethren in this regard, for the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said: "Straighten your rows, align your shoulders, fill the gaps, and be gentle with the hands of your brethren, and do not leave any spaces for Satan. Whoever connects a row, Allah connects him, and whoever cuts off a row, Allah cuts him off."