Is a physical barrier (Sutrah) required for prayer in Mecca?
Chapter on Imamate and Congregational Prayer
Al-Mughni
Book of Prayer
Primary text
It is permissible to perform the prayer in Mecca without a physical barrier (Sutrah). This view is supported by traditions reported from Ibn al-Zubayr, 'Ata', and Mujahid. Imam Ahmad affirmed this based on the report that the Prophet, peace be upon him, prayed with nothing between him and the Tawaf circumambulation. Mecca is considered specifically exempted due to the overwhelming crowds for the rituals. Evidence includes the tradition that the Prophet, peace be upon him, prayed near the Hajar al-Aswad while people passed between his hands and the Ka'bah. Furthermore, the ruling for the entire Haram (Sanctuary) is the same as Mecca, supported by the report that the Prophet, peace be upon him, prayed in Mina without a wall in front of him.
Supporting text
The rationale provided is that restricting passage in Mecca due to extreme crowding (where people are described as pushing each other, *yattabakoon*) would cause significant hardship to the people performing their rites.