SECTION ON PRAYER · 107 – A PERSON OFFERING PRAYER'S PROXIMITY TO THE SCREEN (or partition)
Saḥl bin Ḥusaim (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated on the authority of the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) who said: "Whenever one of you prays behind a screen, let him approach it [the screen], so that Satan may not interrupt his prayer."
Abū Dāwūd said: This hadith is narrated to me by Wāqid bin Muḥammad from Ṣafwan, from Muḥammad bin Saḥl, from his father or from Muḥammad bin Saḥl, from the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him).
Some people have narrated this hadith through Nafi’ bin Jubayr from Saḥl bin Sa‘d, and there is a difference of opinion regarding its chain of narration. [447]
**Explanation:** It has been stated that the chain of narration of this hadith reaches the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) without interruption, thus confirming its authenticity (marfū’). One who stands far from the screen gives Satan an opportunity out of fear that someone might pass in front of him. One who stands close to the screen dispels this worry and remains distant from Satan’s suggestions.
Abu Sa'hl, may Allah be pleased with him, relates: There was enough space between the place where the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, stood and the qibla for a goat to pass. Abu Dawud says: This report is from Nufayli.