The ruling on passing between the rows of the congregation and in front of the imam

Question:
A questioner asks: What is the ruling on passing between the rows of the congregation, or between the congregation and the imam, during the prayer? With the evidence?

Answer:
Yes, for the one who has an imam, the imam’s position is the position of the one praying behind him. It is not permissible to pass in front of the imam. As for the one praying behind him, there is nothing wrong with a person passing in front of him, especially out of necessity. If there is a need to pass, he passes, and this is not considered among the prohibited things. This is because 'Abdullah ibn 'Abbas came riding a donkey, or riding a mule, while the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) was praying with the Muslims in Mina. He came from in front of the rows while the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) was praying with the Muslims. So passing in front of the rows does not affect the sutrah, because the imam’s sutrah is sufficient. However, one should not pass except out of necessity, because it disturbs the worshippers. As for taking on the ruling of the warning for the one who passes in front of the worshipper, that does not apply unless he passes between the imam and his sutrah. If he passes between the imam and his sutrah, he incurs the warning mentioned by the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him).