The Ruling on the Sutrah and Its Description

The questioner is Abdul Hadi Sudani, residing in Jeddah. He says in this question: We want to know everything about the sutrah in prayer, and whether it is necessary to place a barrier in front of oneself if one is praying alone and there is no fear of anyone passing in front of the one praying?
Answer: The sutrah is a confirmed recommended practice (sunnah muakkadah) in front of the one praying, whether he is praying alone or leading the prayer; because the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) used to pray facing it, and he said: And he (peace and blessings be upon him) said: So the recommended practice is to place a sutrah in front of him, whether it is a wall, a pillar, a chair, an upright stick, or something similar. If that is not available, he should place the stick lying down or draw a line in front of him if nothing upright is available. This is the recommended practice. It does not harm him if someone passes behind it, but it is not obligatory; because it is established from him (peace and blessings be upon him) that at some times he prayed without a sutrah, which indicates that it is not obligatory, but it is a confirmed recommended practice. If he is in a place where there is no fear of anyone passing, there is no objection to praying without a sutrah, but if a sutrah is available, it is better and more excellent to act according to the recommended practice. Yes.
The presenter: May Allah reward you with good.