What is the ruling regarding people passing in front of someone praying?
Chapter on Imamate and Congregational Prayer
Al-Mughni
Book of Prayer
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.