Turning the Feet of the Deceased Towards the Qibla After the Soul Departs

Question

In which direction should a Muslim be placed after his soul has departed? The common custom among us is that after the soul departs, his feet are turned towards the qibla, and people say that this way his face becomes directed towards the qibla — whereas in life it is forbidden to sleep or sit with one’s feet stretched out towards the qibla.

Answer

The custom of turning the feet of the deceased towards the qibla after the soul has left the body has no basis in the Sacred Law and is wrong. However, before death, when the signs of death begin to appear, the dying person should at that time be placed with his head to the north and his feet to the south, facing the qibla: this is the better (afdal)

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

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