Sutrah

A sutrah (Arabic: 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.

Sahl ibn Abu Hathmah narrated: رواه سهل بن أبو هاثماه The Prophet said: "When one of you prays facing a sutrah he should keep close to it, and not let the devil interrupt his prayer.

"[9] Abu Saeed Al Khudri narrated: رواه أبو سعيد الخدري The Prophet said: "When one of you prays facing a sutrah he should keep close to it, and not let anyone pass in front of it."

For example, it was narrated from `Abdur-Rahman ibn Abu Sa`id that his father said: “The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: ‘When anyone of you performs prayer, let him pray facing towards a Sutrah, and let him get close to it, and not let anyone pass in front of him.

If someone comes and wants to pass in front of him, let him fight him, for he is a Shaitan (Satan).’”[11] According to Hanafi Madhab, one's prayer will not be nullified if someone crosses one without sutrah.