What is the Etiquette to Follow When Sleeping in a Library Full of Islamic Literature?

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.