What is the recommended number of rows for the funeral prayer (Salat al-Janazah)?

Primary text

It is recommended to form three rows when performing the funeral prayer. This is supported by the narration of Malik ibn Hubayrah, who reported that the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said: "Whoever prays over (a deceased person) in three rows, he has made it obligatory (i.e., secured reward or fulfillment of the Sunnah)." Ahmad held that if the number of attendees is small, forming three rows is preferable. If there are four people behind the Imam, they should be arranged in two rows, with two men in each row.