Is there a specific requirement for the thickness or width of the Sutrah?

Chapter on Imamate and Congregational Prayer

Al-Mughni

Book of Prayer

Book 3 · Issue 2 · Bab 10

Open in Qurani

Primary text

There is no known fixed limit regarding the thickness or thinness of the Sutrah. It is permissible for the barrier to be thin, such as a spear (sahm) or a lance (harba), or thick, such as a wall. The Prophet, peace be upon him, used to take the 'anazah (a short spear) as a barrier. Abu Sa'id reported that they used the arrow and the stone for taking a barrier in prayer.

Supporting text

Al-Awza'i stated that an arrow or a whip suffices. Ahmad preferred what was wider, as the statement 'even if with an arrow' indicates that something other than an arrow is preferable.