What is the ruling on using a sutrah in the wilderness?
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The questioner : May Allah reward you, O Shaykh: What is the ruling on a person using a sutrah when he is in the wilderness?
The Shaykh : It is a recommended practice (sunnah), because the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) used to use one. He would have a spear with him, which he would plant in front of him and pray facing it.
The questioner : If the imam does not use a sutrah, should he be rebuked for it, or should he not be rebuked?
The Shaykh : He should not be rebuked, on the condition that what he did is not blameworthy. Rather, he should be guided to the recommended practice (sunnah). In other words, we do not shout in his face and say, "You have done something forbidden; repent to Allah for this." No.
The questioner : No, some of the worshippers rebuke the imam, saying, "Why do you use a sutrah when we are in the wilderness?"The Shaykh : No, that is a mistake, because he does not know that the Messenger used to do this. If he knew that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) used to do this, he would not have rebuked him. Yes.
The Shaykh : It is a recommended practice (sunnah), because the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) used to use one. He would have a spear with him, which he would plant in front of him and pray facing it.
The questioner : If the imam does not use a sutrah, should he be rebuked for it, or should he not be rebuked?
The Shaykh : He should not be rebuked, on the condition that what he did is not blameworthy. Rather, he should be guided to the recommended practice (sunnah). In other words, we do not shout in his face and say, "You have done something forbidden; repent to Allah for this." No.
The questioner : No, some of the worshippers rebuke the imam, saying, "Why do you use a sutrah when we are in the wilderness?"The Shaykh : No, that is a mistake, because he does not know that the Messenger used to do this. If he knew that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) used to do this, he would not have rebuked him. Yes.