The Book of the Qiblah - Sunan an-Nasa'i 751

"I said to Jabir bin Zaid: 'What invalidates prayer?' He said: 'Ibn Abbas used to say: A menstruating woman and a dog.' (One of the narrators) Yahya said: 'Shubah said it was a marfu report.'"

Traditional Commentary

This narration from Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) through Jabir bin Zaid addresses matters that invalidate prayer. The menstruating woman refers to her passing in front of one praying, which according to this view breaks the prayer. The dog's passing similarly invalidates it according to this position.

The classification as marfu indicates this ruling ascends to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), giving it greater authority. Scholars differ on the exact ruling: some hold these actions invalidate prayer absolutely, while others consider them disliked but not invalidating. The stronger opinion is that they break prayer if they pass directly in front within a short distance without a barrier.

The wisdom behind this ruling includes maintaining prayer's sanctity and concentration, preventing distractions, and honoring the prayer space. The menstruating woman's passing is prohibited due to ritual impurity, while the dog's passing relates to its general impurity in Islamic law.

Practical Application

To safeguard one's prayer: place a sutrah (prayer barrier) in front when praying, be mindful of one's prayer direction, and avoid areas where such interruptions are likely. If such passage occurs, the prayer should be repeated according to the precautionary approach.