Question
Reference number: 438624 | Prayers | June 13, 2020
Is leaving spaces (because of Coronavirus precautions) between Muslims while performing prayers in a congregation acceptable?
Answer
Praise Be to Allah and Peace Be Upon His Messenger.
Referring to your question, closing gaps between those who pray in a congregation (men and women alike) is considered according to some Muslim scholars an act of Sunnah. Others, however, consider it obligatory depending on what was narrated from our prophet (PBUH) who prevented a Muslim from standing alone in a row while praying.
The evidence which tells that closing gaps is an act of Sunnah is what was narrated by Imam Ahmad (5724) and Abu Dawood (666). Abdullah Ibn Omar RAA narrated that the prophet said: “Arrange the rows in order, stand shoulder to shoulder, close the gaps, be accommodating to your brothers, and do no leave gaps for Satan. Whoever joins up a row, he will be joined to Allah (i.e. to the Mercy of Allah); and whoever cuts off a row, he will be cut off from Allah (i.e. from His Mercy.” Sunan Abu Dawood, and Al-Albani graded it as Sahih.
Thus, it seems that leaving gaps between Muslims performing their prayers is permissible so as to prevent infection.
However, if we follow the opinion of those scholars who see that closing gaps is desired but not obligatory, it will also be clear that praying in such a way is acceptable.
Even if it is obligatory, keeping those Muslims who come to mosques to pray in a congregation safe is important. This case is considered like a case when Muslims are unable to close gaps. The rule is waived when Muslims are unable for a considered reason to perform it.