Should a person pray alone behind the row if he does not find a place in congregational prayer, or should he pull one of the worshippers to pray with him?

Scholars have differed regarding the validity of a person praying alone behind the row (of congregants). The majority of jurists hold that it is valid, though disliked without an excuse. However, the Hanbalis are of the opinion that it is invalid, citing the hadith: "There is no prayer for one who prays alone behind the row." Sheikh Ibn 'Uthaymeen favored the view that joining the row is obligatory, and that the prayer of one who prays alone behind the row is invalid if there is no excuse. If the row is full, the obligation to join the row is waived, and the individual should pray behind the row, without pulling anyone forward, and without abandoning the congregation.