sutrah

{{for|the Indian term for a book of aphorisms|Sutra}}

File:Sutrah.jpg

A sutrah ({{langx|ar|سترة}} lit., "screen, cover") is an object used by a person performing salat as a barrier between himself and one passing in front of him.Bukhari, Book 2, Volume 15, Hadith 89, 90: The Two Festivals (Eids)Bukhari, Book 1, Volume 8, Hadith 373, 422: PrayersBukhari, Book 1, Volume 4, Hadith 187: AblutionsSahih Muslim, Book 4, Hadith 1011: The Book of Prayers The person praying should be positioned at less than or equal to three forearms' length away from the Sutrah. The Sutrah’s height must be no less than one forearm's length (i.e. the height of the rear end of a camel's saddle),Muslim, Book 4, Hadith 1008, 1009: The Book of Prayers whereas its width has no stipulated size. The Sutrah is compulsory for anyone performing salat (unless a Sutrah cannot be found after searching).Bukhari, Book 1, Volume 9, Hadith 485: Virtues of the Prayer Hall (Sutra of the Musalla)

While it is apparent that it might appear like the performer is praying to the object in front of him/her, it's not absolutely necessary while praying. It can be substituted by facing a wall or simply blocking the way of a passer with a hand.

It is also forbidden for someone to pass in-between a person praying and his Sutrah, or to pass closer than 3 forearms' length to the person who has no Sutrah in front of him (because 3 forearms' length is the furthest distance which one can stay away from a Sutrah).Bukhari, Book 1, Volume 9, Hadith 488, 489: Virtues of the Prayer Hall (Sutra of the Musalla)Muslim, Book 4, Hadith 1023: The Book of Prayers However, a person is allowed to pass between the rows of a congregational salat.