Forming a Row Between Two Pillars

Question

There is a mosque in which one row forms behind the imam, and then in the same way a second row forms, but between these two rows come pillars. A row can stand between the pillars, but that row cannot be continuous: because of the pillars blocking [it], gaps form in the row. What we wish to know is: may the second row stand between these pillars, or should the space between the pillars be left empty?

Answer

It is stated in al-Mabsut of al-Sarakhsi that if a pillar is in the middle [of the row], neither is following the imam thereby prevented nor does any dislike (karaha) arise: [ar]وَالِاصْطِفَافُ بَيْنَ الْأُسْطُوَانَتَيْنِ غَيْرُ مَكْرُوهٍ؛ لِأَنَّهُ صَفٌّ فِي حَقِّ كُلِّ فَرِيقٍ وَإِنْ لَمْ يَكُنْ طَوِيلًا، وَتَخَلُّلُ الْأُسْطُوَانَةِ بَيْنَ الصَّفِّ كَتَخَلُّلِ مَتَاعٍ…

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

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