At a Prayer Hall Entrance, Should We Place Our Shoes Facing Away From The Qibla?

Answered by Ustadh Tabraze Azam
Question: Salam, My question concerns the shoes’ direction when we leave them outside the prayer hall/masjid. People tend to heap their shoes right at the doorstep, whereby it becomes difficult for people coming and going. There is a space – a large space – barely 3 feet away where everyone can keep their shoes. That faces away from the qibla too. My question is this: are the shoes supposed to face away from the qibla? Please advise.
Answer: Wa alaikum assalam wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh,
I pray that you are in the best of health and faith, insha’Allah.
I’m unaware of a specific ruling regarding the direction of shoes.
However, in general the sunna would be to place your shoes in a dignified manner, displaying concern for your fellow believer. The Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) was the most perfect and beautiful of examples in all his affairs– can you imagine him leaving his shoes in an inconsiderate fashion, or in a manner which blocks a public entrance?r of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) was the most perfect and beautiful of examples in all his affairs– can you imagine him leaving his shoes in an inconsiderate fashion, or in a manner which blocks a public entrance?
And Allah alone gives success.
wassalam,
Tabraze Azam