The Prophet (ﷺ) said: If any Muslim dies and three rows of Muslims pray over him, it will assure him (of Paradise). When Malik considered those who accompanied a bier to be a few, he divided them into three rows in accordance with this tradition.
Reference: Sunan Abi Dawud 3166 In-book : Book 21, Hadith 78 English translation : Book 20, Hadith 3160
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