What is the Etiquette to Follow When Sleeping in a Library Full of Islamic Literature?
Hanafi Fiqh
Answered by Ustadh Tabraze Azam
Question: Salam,
My bed is located in my library which is full of Islamic literature. There are a lot of Islamic books which are lower than the level of my bed and my legs extend towards them. What is the ruling regarding this?
Answer: Wa alaikum assalam wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh,
I pray that you are in the best of health and faith, insha’Allah.
Normally, it is disliked to outstretch your legs directly towards religious books, unless the books are raised above the level of the feet. [Ibn `Abidin, Radd al-Muhtar `ala al-Durr al-Mukhtar]
However, in the case of an excuse, as you describe, the dislikedness would be lifted.
What is More Appropriate
Though perhaps it would be more proper to avoid outstretching your legs towards specifically religious books–namely, books containing exegesis, traditions, and law. Whenever possible, strive to ensure that these are above the level of your bed. Respect for such books is more incumbent than worldly books–such as books of literature, for instance.
And Allah alone gives success.
wassalam,
Tabraze Azam
Checked & Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani.
