Sutra for Prayer: Definition

Based on WikiPedia definition, a Sutra (or Sutrah, سترة المصلي) in Islam is an object used by a person performing an obligatory or Sunnah prayer (Salah) as a barrier between himself and anyone that may pass in front of him. The Sutra is compulsory for anyone performing Salah either as a leader (Imam) or alone, unless a Sutra cannot be found after serious searching. The Sutra should be positioned so close to the Sujud location point, just in front of the person who is praying. According to many authentic Hadiths, the height of the Sutra must be no less than one forearms length (i.e. the height of the rear end of a camel's saddle) whereas its width has no stipulated size. Thus, it can be substituted by facing a wall, a walking stick, a bed, a tree, etc. depending on where the person is praying. It is also forbidden for someone to pass or cross between a person praying and his Sutra and it is highly recommended to wait until the person finishes his prayer before passing in front of him if this is the only exit way.