The alignment of the row should begin from where the Imam is standing. Whoever is on the right of the row should align himself by looking at those who are to his left (i.e., closer to the Imam). Thus the line will be straightened and the gaps will be filled. Alignment is done by lining up necks, shoulders and ankles, and by completing the front rows.

You should not rush in prayer when bowing, prostrating, sitting between the two prostrations, or when standing after bowing. Rather you should move with deliberation and calmly as this is an essential obligation; moving hastily in prayer invalidates the prayer.

It is not obligatory for a man to cover his shoulders or shoulder blades when praying and his prayer is valid, but it is recommended to do so as an adornment and out of respect for the prayer and the fact that he is standing before his Lord, may He be Glorified and Exalted; but if he prays with his shoulders or shoulder blade bare.

• The majority of Hanafis, Malikis and Shafi`is view that the Takbirs of movement and saying “Rabb ighfir li (Lord forgive me)” between the two prostrations are Sunnahs of prayer not obligatory. The Hanbalis maintain that they are obligatory parts of the prayer. • With regard to the Du`a between the two prostrations, the opinion of the majority is that it is recommended. This is more likely the correct view, because there is no evidence to clearly indicate that it is obligatory.

There is nothing wrong with one who is offering an obligatory prayer to pray behind one who is offering an optional prayer. Also, there is nothing wrong with a person starting his prayer alone and then becoming an Imam when someone else joins him.