Bukhari

Hadith Commentary:
1.
From this narration, the chapter heading established by Imam Bukhari rahimahullah is proven in this way: when the Messenger of Allah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam would go out to lead the Eid prayers, a spear or similar object would be with him and it would be set up in front of him, then he would lead the prayer. This same screen (sutrah) was considered sufficient for the followers (muqtadis) as well, because there is no narration proving that the followers should have a separate screen, nor is there any detail that the spear should be considered a screen only for the imam, and then the imam should be considered a screen for the congregation.

2.
From the narration of Sa’d al-Qaraz, it is understood that this spear was sent as a gift to the Messenger of Allah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam by Najashi, and he used it for such needs. However, from some narrations it is understood that this spear came into the possession of Zubair ibn al-Awwam radi Allahu anhu from a polytheist during the Battle of Uhud, and the Messenger of Allah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam took it from him. Hafiz Ibn Hajar rahimahullah has reconciled these two narrations in this way: initially, the spear belonging to Zubair ibn al-Awwam radi Allahu anhu was used, then the spear gifted by Najashi began to be used. (Fath al-Bari: 1/741)

3.
In the blessed era of the Messenger of Allah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam, there were various benefits in keeping a spear or similar object, among which one benefit was that it was used as a screen (sutrah) at the time of prayer in open fields, and, when needed, it could also be used for protection against the enemy.

Hadith Commentary:
Harbah refers to that spear whose tip is pointed.
Generally, the commentators have not discussed the purpose of the chapter heading.
However, avoiding resemblance to idolaters in prayer is a principle of the Shariah.
Since weapons are such objects that are venerated by certain sects, it is possible that Imam Bukhari rahimahullah intended to clarify that such forms of mysticism have no standing in the Shariah. Rather, according to the Shariah, it is permissible to set up weapons in front and perform prayer; in this, there is neither any resemblance (to idolaters) nor is veneration of the weapons intended.
And Allah knows best.

Hadith Commentary:

Because the Eid prayer was performed in the open field, and for praying in the open field a sutrah (barrier) is necessary, a small spear would be taken which would suffice as a sutrah, and it would be planted in front of the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam).

The spear was taken because it was easy to plant it in the ground.

Imam al-Bukhari (rahimahullah) has previously written that weapons should not be taken to the Eid ground.

Here, he wishes to clarify that if there is a need, then there is no harm in taking them, as even the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) would have a spear taken for use as a sutrah. (Tafheem al-Bukhari)

Hadith Commentary:
(1)
In a previous chapter, Imam Bukhari rahimahullah established that carrying weapons on the day of Eid is prohibited, whereas from this hadith, its permissibility is proven.
Since in the time of the Messenger of Allah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam there was no constructed Eid prayer ground (Eidgah), rather he would perform the prayer in an open field, he would therefore instruct that a spear or similar object be brought along so that it could serve as a sutrah (barrier).
In such circumstances, there is no prohibition in bringing something along.
If there is no need for it, then it is not permissible to carry weapons merely for display, lest someone be harmed due to the gathering and crowd.

(2)
It should be noted that Imam Bukhari rahimahullah has also established from this hadith that the sutrah (barrier) of the imam is also the sutrah for the followers (muqtadis); they do not need to have a separate sutrah for themselves.

Hadith Commentary:
The explanation has already been mentioned above. From this, it is also established that the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) used to perform the Eid prayers in the open (field). Therefore, the Sunnah is precisely this. Those people who, without any excuse such as rain, perform the Eid prayers in the mosques are deprived of the reward of the Sunnah.

Hadith Commentary:
(1)
In the time of Imam Bukhari rahimahullah, it had become common practice that when the ruler of the time would go to the Eid prayer at the Eid ground, people would walk ahead of him carrying weapons. Imam Bukhari rahimahullah has established the permissibility of this. In one narration, it is mentioned that when the Messenger of Allah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam would go out for the Eid prayer, he would order that a spear be taken along. Upon reaching the Eid ground, it would be planted in front of him, and he would pray facing it, while the rest of the people would be behind him. He would do the same while traveling. From this, the rulers adopted this practice.

(2)
It is prohibited to do so in a crowd, because in such situations there is a risk of harm to someone. The reason for this is the fear of causing death. However, when a person is walking ahead of the imam carrying a weapon and there is no danger of harm to anyone, then in this case carrying weapons is permissible, because the reason for the prohibition is not present. The prohibited case is the opposite of this.

Hadith Commentary: Benefits and Issues: The purpose of a sutrah is that an object should be placed as a barrier or obstruction in front of the one praying, so that the gaze of the worshipper falls upon it first, and his prayer is not affected by someone passing beyond it. This is only possible if, without any valid reason, one does not divert his gaze from the place of prostration. If a person is praying in congregation, then the sutrah of the imam is sufficient; there is no need for a separate sutrah for each prayer. The need for this arises in open spaces outside the mosque, as the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) would have a spear planted in front of him on the occasions of Eid and during travel. In the mosque, the wall itself serves as the sutrah for the imam. The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) specified the length of the sutrah to be equal to the rear wooden part of a saddle, which is about the length of one arm or slightly more.

687. Commentary:
That is, the origin of the practice of leaders and rulers making arrangements to go out with a spear, lance, etc., on occasions like Eid is this very hadith. Whether the prayer is obligatory or voluntary, whether one is traveling or at home, in every situation one should be mindful of the sutrah (barrier placed in front during prayer). Also, the sutrah of the imam is sufficient for the followers (muqtadis) as well.

748. Commentary:

➊ By sutrah is meant that object which protects the prayer of the worshipper from Satan and from those passing in front. The sutrah prevents the worshipper’s thoughts from becoming scattered, provided that his gaze does not go beyond the sutrah, as is the Sunnah. Similarly, the sutrah protects the prayer and the worshipper from the harmful effects of those passing in front of him. Passing in front of a worshipper destroys the worshipper’s humility and concentration (khushu‘ and khudu‘) and makes the passerby sinful. Passing in front of the sutrah protects both the worshipper and the passerby from these two harms.

➋ If a person is praying alone in an open place, he should place a sutrah in front of him. If he is praying behind an imam, then it is sufficient for there to be a sutrah in front of the imam only. An already existing object can also serve as a sutrah, such as a pillar, etc.

➌ The sutrah should be approximately one and a half feet high and thick enough to be clearly visible from a distance, so that it is not the case that no one even realizes it is there. The rear wooden part of a saddle is also about one and a half feet high. And Allah knows best.

1566. Commentary:

➊ The meaning of the chapter is that in an open place, there should be a sutrah (barrier) in front of the imam so that the prayer is not invalidated by someone passing in front.

➋ For the purpose of a sutrah, it is permissible to take a spear or similar object, even though the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) has prohibited carrying weapons in a crowd, because someone might accidentally get injured. However, if only the imam has a spear with him, then there is no such danger; therefore, it is permissible.

Benefits and Issues:
(1)
A sutrah is not specific only to the Eid prayer.
For any other prayer as well, when it is performed outside the mosque,
for example, during travel,
...
then there should be a sutrah in front of the imam.

(2)
There is no need for a separate sutrah for the followers (muqtadis).
However, when a follower offers individual sunnah prayers, etc.,
then a separate sutrah is necessary for them.

Benefits and Issues:
From this, it is understood that the Noble Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) would also observe the use of a sutrah (barrier) even while traveling.

Benefits and Issues:
➊ (Anzah)
It refers to a small spear or lance.

➋ There should be a sutrah (barrier) in front of the imam during prayer. In a mosque, the wall itself is sufficient, whereas in an open field, it is necessary to place some other object.

➌ Carrying the necessary items for a respected personality and performing such other services for them is included in showing respect.

➍ In congregational prayer, a sutrah is sufficient for the imam. There is no need to place a sutrah in front of the followers (muqtadis).