Pulling a Worshipper Back from the First Row and Filling the Gap

Question

When Zayd reached the mosque, the congregational prayer had already begun and the first row of the mosque was full. Thereupon Zayd moved back one worshipper from the first row who was on the imam’s right. Now how should the place that will become empty in the first row be filled? Should it be left empty as it is, or is there some other way?

Answer

Those present near it, on the right and on the left, should each shift a little and fill that place from both sides.

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

Preview. The full text opens with JavaScript enabled.