Sleeping with one’s feet towards the Qiblah

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Nasihah (Advice): Facing the Qiblah whilst Sleeping

Some family members of Sayyidatuna Ummu Salamah (radiyallahu ‘anha) narrated that the bed of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) would be positioned like a person is positioned in his grave, with the Masjid being at the head side. [Abu Dawud]

N.B. The deceased is generally laid on the right side, with the face in the direction of the Qiblah.

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Question and Answer:

Is it permissible to sleep with one’s feet facing towards the Qiblah (direction of the Ka’bah)? I have recently been told that doing so is Makruh (disliked). Is this correct?

Allah Ta’ala says in the Noble Qur’an: And whoever honours the symbols of Allah, then surely it is from the piety of the hearts.” (Surah Al-Hajj, 22:32)

The Qiblah (the direction of the Ka’bah) is regarded as one of the sacred symbols of Allah Ta’ala and should therefore be treated with respect.

Facing one’s feet towards another person is generally regarded as disrespectful. Similarly, the Qiblah deserves special respect, as it is the direction towards the Holy Ka’bah in Makkah, the most sacred place in Islam and the direction Muslims face when performing Salah.

Facing the Qiblah in prayer is one of the distinguishing features of the Muslim Ummah and a great blessing from Allah Ta’ala.

Accordingly, it is Makruh (disliked) to sleep with one’s feet facing towards the Qiblah, as this is contrary to the respect and reverence that should be shown towards it. [Shaami 1/341]

And Allah Ta’ala Knows Best

Mufti Muhammed Hamza Farooqui

Mufti Taahir Hansa

(The answer hereby given is specifically based on the question asked and should be read together with the question asked. Islamic rulings on this Q&A newsletter are answered in accordance to the Hanafi Fiqh unless otherwise stated.)

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