Q: In a small Masjid, the Imam used a sutrah while leading the jamaat (it is a common practice in some places to do second or third jamaat if the main jamaat is missed). Is it permissible to pass in front of people who missed their rakaat with the Imam in these second/third jamaat are completing their prayers. Will they still be considered to be behind sutrah even if Imam has completed his own Prayer?
A: Once the imaam has completed his salaah and the masbooqs (latecomers) stand up to complete their salaah, then it is not permissible for one to pass in front of them without a sutrah being in front of them. If one passes in front of them, one will be sinful. This law pertains to a small musjid. As for a big musjid (a musjid which is 334.451 square metres or more), then it is permissible for one to pass in front of a musallee performing salaah on condition that one does not walk on their place of sajdah (i.e. there is the amount of one saff or more between him and those performing salaah).
And Allah Ta'ala (الله تعالى) knows best.
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