and it passed in front of part of the row. He said: “No one reproved me for that—not the Prophet ﷺ nor any of the Companions.” (1) This tacit approval qualifies the general wording of the hadith: “If the one who passes in front of a person praying knew what burden of sin was upon him…”

The correct view, then, is that a person does not incur sin; however, if he has an alternative to passing in front of those praying behind the imam, that is better. For such passing is undoubtedly distracting, and avoiding distraction to worshippers is something sought, since it contributes to the completeness of their prayer. Just as you would not wish anyone to distract you from your prayer, you should likewise wish not to distract anyone from his prayer, in accordance with the Prophet’s ﷺ saying: “None of you truly believes until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself.” (2)

His statement, “upright,” means: standing.

His statement, “like the rear-post of a saddle,” is a comparison, as mentioned in the hadith from the Prophet ﷺ. (3) The rear-post of a saddle is a piece of wood placed above the saddle, against which the rider leans when riding. It is approximately two-thirds of a cubit, or three-quarters of a cubit. A camel’s saddle is that which is fastened onto its back for riding.

“If he cannot find an upright object, then [he should pray] facing a line…”

His statement, “If he cannot find an upright object,” means: something standing that has a physical form.