The Importance of the Sutrah in Salah and Satan’s InterferenceAuthored by: Dr. Rida Abdullah Pasha (ḥafiẓahullāh)
❖ Question:
What is the connection between the Sutrah (barrier) in Salah and Satan?
❖ Answer:
The Sutrah (a barrier placed in front of a praying person) is an essential Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ. Its significance becomes clear in light of Satan’s attempts to disturb and interfere with the prayer of a believer.
❖ First Hadith:
Narrated by Sayyiduna Sahl bin Abī Ḥathmah (RA):
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
"When one of you performs Salah, let him pray towards a Sutrah and stay close to it, so that Satan does not cut off his prayer."
[Sunan al-Nasāʾī, Hadith 723; al-Mustadrak of al-Ḥākim: 1/251; Sunan Abī Dāwūd: Hadith 388, 681]❖ Second Hadith:
Narrated by Sayyiduna Abū Saʿīd al-Khudrī (RA):
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
"When one of you is praying, he must not allow anyone to pass in front of him. He should stop him as much as he can. If the person insists, then fight him, for he is but a devil."
[Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim: 505; Mukhtaṣar Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim: Hadith 338]❖ Explanation:
From both narrations, it is evident that:
① Using a Sutrah during prayer is highly emphasized, especially when praying in open spaces or public areas.
② Failing to use a Sutrah leaves the prayer vulnerable to satanic interference.
③ Passing in front of a person praying is a grave act; if the passer-by insists, the Prophet ﷺ commanded resistance, describing such a person as “a devil”, indicating that Satan uses people to disrupt prayer.
The Sutrah acts as a boundary, preserving the sanctity and focus of the prayer and preventing external physical or spiritual disruption.
Summary:
The Sutrah in Salah is not a minor detail — it is a protective measure against Satan’s interference.
Neglecting it allows Satan or those under his influence to cut off or disturb the spiritual connection between the servant and his Lord during prayer.
The Prophet ﷺ instructed firmness in defending the prayer space, highlighting the seriousness of this issue.
