Islam: Islam teaches a way of life, including sleeping habits. Respect for the Qibla is essential, so sleeping with your feet facing west is considered inauspicious. Let's learn from the Quran and Hadith.

Sleeping with feet facing west in Islam

Sleeping Habits in Islam: Islam is not just a religion, but also a complete guide to how to live life. This religion not only talks about worship, but also provides moral teachings and answers to every question, big or small, that arises in life.

It outlines the path for everything from eating, drinking, sitting, talking, and sleeping. If a true Muslim follows these guidelines completely, then even eating, drinking, getting up, and sitting are considered acts of worship. Therefore, it is crucial to follow the teachings of Islam. 

In Islam, respect for the Qibla (the direction of the Kaaba) is part of etiquette. For Muslims living in India, the Qibla is facing west, so respect for it is essential among Muslims.

It is worth noting here that if a Muslim is living in America, then for him the Qibla will be towards the east, and for the Muslims there, the direction of respect will be towards the east.

How is it to sleep with your feet towards the Qibla?

In Islamic teachings, commandments can be divided into several categories. One is a direct commandment, which is obligatory to perform—such as praying, paying zakat, fasting, etc. The second is adab, which is a commandment that is not mandatory but should be followed out of respect.

Similarly, sleeping with your feet facing the Qibla, or west, is considered inappropriate and disrespectful. Some religious scholars consider this makruh (unclear). The Qibla (Kaaba) is located to the west.

But the question arises: is this fact mentioned in the Quran and Hadith, or is it simply based on cultural and social beliefs? Let's explore this topic in detail based on Islamic sources.

Qibla (West) and its significance

West is the direction toward which all Muslims pray. Muslims around the world face the Kaaba in Mecca. Respecting the Qibla is extremely important in Islam, especially when praying to Allah.

Does the Quran prohibit sleeping with feet facing west?

Nowhere in the Quran does it say that sleeping with your feet facing west is haram or makruh. It is. Surah Al-Baqarah: Chapter 144 states, "Turn your face towards the Masjid-e-Haram." This command is for prayer, not for sleeping or resting.

Even in the Hadiths, we do not find any strict instructions or prohibitions regarding the direction of sleeping. However, there is mention of sleeping position. The Prophet Muhammad said, “When you go to sleep, lie on your right side.”

What is mentioned in Sahih Bukhari Sharif?

Always sleep on your right side, but it's not specified which direction your feet should be facing. This clearly shows that it's not the direction, but the method that's important.

Then where did this notion come from?

The belief that sleeping with feet facing west is wrong is mostly born out of local traditions, cultural influences and misinterpretations.