Hazrat Abu Huraira, may Allah be pleased with him, narrates that the Holy Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said:
“If the people were to know what excellence lies in (calling) the Azan and (praying) in the first row, and that they could not (get these opportunities) except by drawing lots, they would have definitely done that. And if they were to know what excellence lies in joining the prayer in the first takbir (prayer), they would have vied with one another. And if they were to know what excellence lies in the night prayer and morning prayer, they would have definitely come even if crawling (on their knees).”
(Sahih Muslim, Kitab al-Salat)