these lights join one another. They descend joined together to the rows of worshipers, and the lights envelop them. If there is a gap in a row of worshipers and devils enter it, those lights burn them.
They likewise stand in rows at the Dune during the general visitation, just as they stand in rows in prayer. If there is a gap in someone’s row here and he can close it himself but fails to do so, he is deprived of its blessing there in that place. If he cannot close it, the blessing envelops him there.
(Completing the First Row and Closing Gaps)
A worshiper between two men should move close to one and then draw the other toward him. If the other moves toward him, well and good. Otherwise, the sin is on the one who did not move. The one he moves close to must be the man on the side nearer the imam. If he sees a gap in the first row and can reach it, yet does not go to the first row to complete it by closing the gap, standing close to others in his own row benefits him in no way. The first row alone has become his obligation. Know this.
Section, or Rather, Continuation on Someone Who Prays Alone Behind the Row
People disagree on this. Some say his prayer is valid, and some say it is invalid. In my view, the ruling for someone in this situation turns on whether he can find a way to join the row.
If he finds no way, let him signal to someone in the row to step out toward him. If the other does not step out toward him because he is unaware of the reward he would have
Notes
Translator’s note TN1869-1: The Dune (al-kathīb) is the scene of the general visitation in the world to come. The author connects the ordering of the rows there with the worshipers’ conduct in their rows here.
