Chapter on What is Permissible to Pray in, from Clothing and Place, and What is Not Permissible to Pray in, from That

Muhammad ibn Ahmad ibn Yahya from Ahmad ibn Al-Hasan ibn Ali ibn Faddal from ‘Amr ibn Sa‘id Al-Mada’ini from Musaddiq ibn Sadaqah from ‘Ammar Al-Sabati: Abu Abdillah عليه السلام was asked about a man who is able to pray while in front of him a woman is also praying. Imam عليه السلام said: “He should not pray until he places between himself and her more than ten arm-lengths (adhru‘). And if she is on his right or on his left, he should place the same distance between himself and her. But if she is praying behind him, then there is no harm, even if she touches his garment. And if the woman is sitting, or sleeping, or standing without praying, then there is no harm wherever she may be.”