What is the ruling on leaving gaps between worshippers in congregational prayer, especially by adults who refuse to straighten the rows, and should the rows be straightened from left to right or vice versa?

Straightening the rows for prayer is prescribed, and one should hold the hand of the person next to them or signal to them to close any gap, as commanded in the hadith (definition): "Straighten your rows, align your shoulders, close the gaps, and be gentle with the hands of your brethren." The Sunnah (definition) is for the rows to be closely packed, facing the position of the Imam. We advise patience in straightening the rows, as this aversion has existed since ancient times, as reported by Anas: "I saw one of us pressing his shoulder against his companion's shoulder and his foot against his foot. If you were to try to do that now, you would find one of them like a stubborn mule."