What is the recommended distance between the worshipper and the sutrah?
Chapter on Imamate and Congregational Prayer
Al-Mughni
Book of Prayer
Primary text
The worshipper should place a distance of three cubits or less between himself and his sutrah. This is supported by the narration that when the Prophet (peace be upon him) prayed inside the Ka'bah, there were three cubits between him and the wall, as narrated by Ibn Umar. Al-Shafi'i holds this view, based on the narration of Ibn Umar from Bilal regarding the Prophet praying in the front of the House with three cubits between him and the wall. Drawing closer than this distance is considered superior due to the aforementioned narrations and the associated reasoning.
Supporting text
Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal stated that one should draw near the sutrah as much as possible. Al-Maymuni noted that Imam Ahmad seemed to maintain a distance of about four cubits, to which the Imam replied that it was due to forgetfulness (*sahw*). Abdullah ibn Mughaffal maintained a distance of six cubits between himself and his sutrah. 'Ata stated that the minimum sufficient distance is three cubits.