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703 I have observed many people walking in front of those already performing Salah. I was always told that should not be done as it causes Sin, and invalidates that persons Namaz.

Also if everyone is supposed to be aware of this notion, why do they pray in places/areas where others would have no choice but to pass by them instead of waiting to go pass for example the last line in the prayer hall or near the door.
In a Hadith recorded by Imam Muslim in his Sahih (Hadith no. 785), the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, ‘If a person walking across the front of a person performing Salah knew the punishment for this act, he would prefer to wait [for the person to conclude his prayer] for forty.’

The reporter of this Hadith, Hazrat Abu al-Nadr (R.A), said that ‘I do not know if the Prophet (S.A.W) meant forty days, forty months or forty years.’

This Hadith highlights the prohibition of walking in front of someone performing Salah.

The Scholars say that the person walking is at fault, and the person performing Salah will not have his Salah invalidated because of it. But this also means that the person reading Salah also has a responsibility to ensure other people are not punished because of his lack of thought when deciding where to pray. He should pray where there is little distraction to himself and others.

(Answered by: Alims at Islamic Centre, Leicester, UK.)
Category (Namaz)
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