What is the ruling regarding people passing in front of someone praying?

Chapter on Imamate and Congregational Prayer

Al-Mughni

Book of Prayer

Book 3 · Issue 2 · Bab 10

Open in Qurani

Primary text

It is permissible for a person praying to have others pass in front of them if the praying person has established a barrier (Sutrah). This is demonstrated when Umar ibn al-Khattab observed a man praying with people passing before him, so Umar turned his back to the man and gestured with his garment, telling him to pray and not to hurry. When a proper barrier cannot be found, such as a pillar in the mosque, Ibn Umar would request that a person stand behind him, indicating that the area behind the praying person should be kept clear from passersby.