No, your salah is generally not broken if someone walks in front of you. However, it is considered undesirable and should be avoided if possible.
Walking in front of a person performing salah (prayer) is considered a disruption and disrespectful. While it doesn't invalidate the prayer itself, it diminishes the focus (khushu') and serenity of the one praying.
Key Considerations:
-
The Person Praying's Responsibility: The person praying should ideally establish a sutrah (a barrier) in front of them. This could be a wall, a stick, or any object that marks their prayer space. The sutrah serves as a visual boundary, discouraging others from walking directly in front of them.
-
The Passerby's Responsibility: If a person sees someone praying, they should try to avoid walking directly in front of them, especially within a short distance. If there is no alternative, it is considered less sinful to pass if a sutrah is present.
-
What to do if Someone Walks in Front: If someone unintentionally walks in front of you while praying, you should maintain your focus and continue your prayer without interruption. Do not break your prayer due to this occurrence.
In summary: While walking in front of someone praying is not ideal and should be avoided out of respect, it doesn't invalidate the prayer itself. The person praying should strive to use a sutrah and maintain focus, while the passerby should try to avoid crossing in front of the worshipper.