Is it permissible for a worshiper to have inanimate objects in front of them, such as a computer table and a trash can, instead of a wall?
Source: FtawySummary from Ftawy's records · added here Sep 2, 2026
It is not obligatory for the worshiper to pray facing a wall; rather, it is legislated for him to pray facing a sutrah (an object or barrier) that prevents people from passing in front of him. This sutrah does not have to be a wall, for the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, used to use the back of a saddle or an anzah (a short spear/staff) as a sutrah. A table or similar objects are suitable as a sutrah, but a trash can containing impurities is not permissible to be used as a sutrah.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
Read the full answer on Ftawyhttps://ftawy.com/en/questions/97836
Where this answer came from
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- Ftawy
- Original fatwa ID
- 97836
- Added here
- . This is when the answer was added to El Fatwa, not the fatwa's date.
- Text
- Summary from Ftawy's records, reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
- Read the full ruling
- Read the full answer on Ftawy