4/47. Chapter:
Sahih Muslim 500a — Size of the Sutrah
The Sutrah (Screen) For One Who Is Praying, And The Recommendation To Pray Facing A Sutrah. The Ruling On Passing In Front Of One Who Is Praying, And Preventing One Who Wants To Pass In Front. It Is Permissible To Lie Down In Front Of One Who Is Praying, Praying Towards One's Mount. The Command To Stand Close To The Sutrah. The Height Of The Suirah, And Related Matters
Size of Sutrah in Prayer: Hadith About the Back of a Saddle
Sahih Muslim : 500a
Sahih MuslimHadith Number 500a
حَدَّثَنَا زُهَيْرُ بْنُ حَرْبٍ، حَدَّثَنَا عَبْدُ اللَّهِ بْنُ يَزِيدَ، أَخْبَرَنَا سَعِيدُ بْنُ أَبِي أَيُّوبَ، عَنْ أَبِي الأَسْوَدِ، عَنْ عُرْوَةَ، عَنْ عَائِشَةَ، أَنَّهَا قَالَتْ سُئِلَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم عَنْ سُتْرَةِ الْمُصَلِّي فَقَالَ " مِثْلُ مُؤْخِرَةِ الرَّحْلِ " .
A'isha Narrated from:
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) was asked about sutra of a worshipper; he said: Equal to the back of the saddle.
Reference : Sahih Muslim 500aIn-book reference : Book 4, Hadith 275USC-MSA web (English) reference : Book 4, Hadith 1008
Summary of Sahih Muslim Hadith 500a
This hadith gives a direct answer about the size of sutrah in prayer. A’isha reported that the Messenger of Allah (صلى الله عليه وسلم) was asked about the sutrah of a worshipper, and he replied, “Equal to the back of the saddle.” The narration is brief, so the explanation should also stay close to it. It does not list many objects or discuss all prayer settings. It gives a simple measure through something known to the people at that time. For readers searching “what is the size of sutrah in salah,” this hadith is one of the clearest reports. The core topic is the worshipper’s front barrier during prayer.
What we learn from this hadith
- The sutrah has a clear minimum example in the hadith.
- The Prophet answered the question in simple terms.
- A worshipper should be aware of the space in front during prayer.
