What Is the Permissible Distance for Passing in Front of a Person Praying Without a Sutrah?Answered by: Fadhīlat al-Bāḥith Naʿmān Khaleeq ḥafiẓahullah
❖ Question:
If someone is offering ṣalāh without placing a sutrah (barrier) in front of them, how far ahead should a passerby walk to avoid sin? Is the distance of one row enough, or should it be more?
❖ Answer:
This issue has been discussed among scholars, and there are varied opinions. However, the most balanced and practical view is based on the following principles:
✦ Responsibility of the One Praying:
It is the responsibility of the praying person to place a sutrah (barrier) in front of him, as per the Sunnah.
If he fails to do so, the sin is primarily on him, not the passerby, provided the passerby maintains sufficient distance.
✦ Recommended Behavior for the Passerby:
◈ It is preferable for the person passing by to wait briefly rather than passing in front of someone in prayer, to avoid causing distraction.
◈ However, if waiting is not feasible, the passerby may walk ahead of the person’s place of prostration — that is, beyond the area where he places his head in sujūd.
✦ Sharʿī Basis:
A ḥadīth indicates that the praying person can prevent a passerby with a single step and extended arm.
This suggests that:✔ The area of prostration is the key zone that must not be crossed.
✔ A step or more beyond the place of sujūd is not considered sinful.
✦ Personal Consultation:
The author consulted Ustādh Mawlānā Najībullāh Ṭāriq ḥafiẓahullah, who confirmed that:
❝ The passerby should cross slightly beyond the place of sujūd to avoid sin. ❞
Conclusion:
◈ The minimum safe distance for passing in front of someone praying without a sutrah is just beyond his place of sujūd — typically about one step ahead.
◈ One full row of distance is certainly safe, but not strictly required.
◈ It is better to wait, but if necessary, passing at the right distance is not sinful.
وَاللّٰهُ أَعْلَمُ بِالصَّوَابِ
