question #1 Sahih Muslim 439, Book 4, Hadith 146 : What is the significance of the first rows in congregational prayers in Islam?

The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: If you were to know, or if they were to know, what (excellence) lies in the first rows, there would have been drawing of lots (for filling them) ; and Ibn Harb said: For (occupying) the first row there would have been drawing of lots.