What are the rules for someone walking in front of a person praying?

Al-jawab billahi at-taufeeq (the answer with Allah’s guidance)

It is recommended to place a barrier (Sutra) in front when praying, if one thinks that someone may pass in front of one. [Shurunbulali, Maraqi al-Falah]. However, It will be Makruh if one does not place the Sutrah if one thinks that someone will pass. (Nurul Idhah pg. 89).

If one passes it doesn’t affect the validity of one’s prayer: if someone walks by, one’s prayer remains valid.

It is Mustahab not to stop the one who walks in front of one’s prayer. However, permission is given to stop the passer by Isharah (gestures) or Tasbeeh and it is Makruh to combine both. (Nurul Idhah Pg. 89, 90)

It is sinful to walk immediately in front of someone praying when it is easy to avoid. (Aapke Masaa’il Aur Unka Hal Vol. 2 Pg. 294)

However, is the one passing in front always to blame?

The possible scenarios that may occur are four,

1. The one passing has an alternative to passing in front and the one praying did not pray in a place where he is in people’s way.
-In this case the sin is only on the one passing.

2. The one passing has no alternative to passing and the one praying was in a place where he would be in people’s way.
-The sin in this case is solely on the one praying.

3. The one passing has an alternative to passing in front and the one praying was in a place where he would get in people’s way.
-The sin is on both of them.

4. Neither does the one passing have an alternative nor is the one praying in people’s way.
-The sin is on neither of them.
(Aapke Masa’il Aur Unka Hal Vol. 2 Pg. 294)

In all of these cases the one passing in front would be free from sin if the one praying were to keep a Sutra in front of him.

One last scenario that is relevant to mention is that if someone prays near the entrance of the mosque or without filling in the gaps in the row in front, one can walk in front of him to fill in the gaps. [Radd al-Muhtar, 1:427, Dar Li Ihya al-Turath al-‘Arabi]

And Only Allah Ta’ala Knows Best.

————————————–
Moulana Qamruz Zaman
London, UK