Is it permissible for a security officer to interrupt a person’s prayer in the walkway to prevent congestion or obstruct the path of worshippers and circumambulators?

It is disliked to pray in the middle of the road or in places where people usually walk, because the worshipper in such a situation infringes upon people's rights, obstructs their path, and distracts himself with passersby, which affects his devotion. It may even be forbidden if it causes harm or injury to him or to others. This includes the designated pathways in Masjid al-Haram (definition) and Masjid an-Nabawi.

For one who prays in these pathways, it is permissible for worshippers to pass in front of him, and they are not included in the warning mentioned in the prohibition against passing in front of a worshipper; because in this case, the worshipper is the aggressor by standing in a public thoroughfare.

It is permissible for security personnel to compel those praying in the pathways to interrupt their prayer to clear the way when there is crowding and people need to pass, provided that their waiting leads to congestion and pushing. This is because the worshipper in this case has infringed upon the rights of others, and because jurists have permitted interrupting prayer for an excuse, including warding off public harm. This should be the last resort, with a preference for using barriers to organize worshippers.