What is the ruling on drawing a line (khatt) as a barrier (sutrah) if no physical object is available?
Chapter on Imamate and Congregational Prayer
Al-Mughni
Book of Prayer
Primary text
Drawing a line (khatt) serves as a valid substitute for a physical barrier (sutrah) when nothing else is available. This is the position affirmed by Ahmad, Sa'id ibn Jubayr, and Al-Awza'i. The evidence is the narration from Abu Hurayrah where the Prophet, peace be upon him, stated: "When one of you prays, let him place something before him. If he does not find anything, let him set up a staff. If he does not have a staff, let him draw a line, and nothing that passes in front of him will harm his prayer." This action follows the established Sunnah of the Prophet.
Supporting text
Malik, Al-Layth ibn Sa'd, and Abu Hanifa rejected the validity of drawing a line. Al-Shafi'i held a differing view between Iraq, where he supported drawing the line, and Egypt, where he stated a line should not be drawn unless it follows a specific established Sunnah.