Hadith Text & Reference

It was narrated from Busr bin Sa'eed said that Zaid bin Khalid sent him to Abu Juhaim to ask him what he had heard the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) say about one who passes in front of a person who is praying? Abu Juhaim said: "The Messenger of Allah(ﷺ)said: "If the one who passes in front of a person who is praying knew what (burden of sin) there is on him, standing for forty would be better for him than passing in front of him."

Source: Sunan an-Nasa'i 756 | Book: The Book of the Qiblah

Scholarly Commentary

This hadith establishes the gravity of passing in front of a praying person. The phrase "standing for forty" has been interpreted by scholars in several ways: some say it means standing for forty years, others for forty days, and yet others for forty prayer cycles. Regardless of the precise interpretation, the meaning is clear - the sin incurred is so severe that an immense act of worship would be preferable to committing this transgression.

The scholars have derived from this that one must take precautions to prevent people from passing in front of them while praying. This is why the practice of placing a sutrah (prayer barrier) in front of oneself during prayer became established in the Shariah. The sutrah creates a sacred space that others should not cross, thus protecting both the worshipper's concentration and the passerby from sin.

Imam An-Nawawi commented that this prohibition applies regardless of whether the mosque is crowded or spacious, emphasizing the importance of respecting the prayer of a Muslim brother. The severity mentioned serves as a deterrent, teaching us to be mindful of others' worship and to maintain the sanctity of prayer spaces.

Legal Rulings Derived

1. It is prohibited to pass in front of a praying person when there is no barrier between them.

2. The praying person should place a sutrah (such as a wall, pillar, or object about the height of a saddle) in front of them.

3. The area in front of the praying person, from their sutrah to their place of prostration, is considered sacred space that should not be crossed.

4. If someone must pass through a prayer area, they should do so behind the person praying rather than in front of them.

5. The hadith demonstrates the principle of preventing means to sin - both the worshipper and others should take measures to avoid this prohibition.