Straightening the Rows Around Pillars

Question

[Is it proper] to form the rows of worshippers among the pillars in such a way that one worshipper stands in front of each pillar, so that the row is not broken in the middle? The row, however, does not remain straight. Does this cause any defect in the prayer?

Answer

Doing so is makruh: very strong emphasis has come regarding straightening the rows. A pillar coming in the middle [of the row] does not spoil the prayer; so it is in al-Mabsut.

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

Preview. The full text opens with JavaScript enabled.