The Sin of Passing in Front of a Worshipper
This article is derived from the book Sutrah: Brief Rulings and Issues, compiled by respected Qazi Ibrahim Sharif.
❀ Severe Warning from the Prophet ﷺ
Abu Juhaym Abdullah ibn Harith al-Ansari رضي الله عنه narrated:
قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم:
لو يعلم المار بين يدي المصلي ماذا عليه لكان أن يقف أربعين خيراً له من أن يمر بين يديه
Sahih al-Bukhari – Book of Prayer – Chapter: The Sin of the One Who Passes in Front of a Worshipper (Hadith: 510)
“If the person passing in front of a worshipper knew what sin he incurs, it would be better for him to stand still for forty (years) than to pass in front of him.”
❀ Saying of Ka‘b al-Ahbar رحمه الله
Narrated by ‘Ata ibn Yasar رحمه الله:
Ka‘b al-Ahbar said: “If the person who passes in front of a worshipper knew what punishment he would face, it would be better for him to be swallowed by the earth than to pass in front of the worshipper.”
Al-Muwatta’ of Imam Malik – Narrated by Yahya ibn Yahya al-Andalusi: 385
Graded authentic by Shaykh Salim Hilali
❀ Ibn Umar رضي الله عنهما’s Dislike of Passing Before Women in Prayer
مالك: انه بلغه ان عبد الله بن عمر كان يكره ان يمر بين يدي النساء وهن يصلين
Imam Malik رحمه الله said: “It reached me that Abdullah ibn Umar رضي الله عنهما disliked passing in front of women while they were praying.”
Al-Muwatta’ – Narrated by Yahya ibn Yahya al-Andalusi: 386
❀ Reflections on These Narrations
These Ahadith and Athar highlight the grave sin and serious warning associated with passing in front of someone offering prayer. Yet, unfortunately, in our times, this issue is taken lightly, especially in the Haramayn Sharifayn (Masjid al-Haram and Masjid al-Nabawi), where people pass unapologetically in front of worshippers.
Even more concerning is that local scholars and authorities often neglect to caution the public or raise awareness about this matter.
Referenced from: Fawa’id of Muwatta’ Imam Malik رحمه الله – Page: 223, Nu‘mani Kutub Khana, Urdu Bazar, Lahore Edition
✿ Summary of Key Points:
① The Prophet ﷺ sternly warned about the sin of passing in front of a worshipper during prayer.
② It would be better to stand still for 40 years than to commit such an act.
③ Ka‘b al-Ahbar said that being swallowed by the earth would be preferable to passing in front of someone praying.
④ Abdullah ibn Umar رضي الله عنهما disliked passing even in front of women in prayer.
⑤ This action is a serious offense, though commonly neglected today, especially in the sacred mosques.
⑥ Scholars and caretakers of these holy sites should take responsibility to educate and prevent this wrongdoing.
وما علينا إلا البلاغ
Our duty is only to convey.
We ask Allah to make us among those who honor the sanctity of prayer and protect others’ worship from interference or disruption. Ameen.
