Is pointing one's feet towards Ka'ba forbidden in Islam?
According to Islamic teachings, there are differing views on whether pointing one's feet towards the Ka'bah is forbidden.
From the Sunni perspective, Sahih al-Bukhari records an important narration: I heard people say that when sitting to relieve oneself, one should not face the Qibla nor face the Sacred Mosque. Abdullah bin Umar said, 'Once I climbed on top of our house and saw the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) sitting facing the Sacred Mosque when he had to relieve himself.' He said, 'Perhaps you are among those who pray on their buttocks.' I said, 'I do not know, by Allah.' Malik added, 'That is, those who pray without rising from the ground, prostrating while still attached to the ground.'
Sahih al-Bukhari 4:11. This narration suggests that one should avoid facing the Qiblah (the direction of the Ka'bah) while relieving oneself, which implies that pointing one's feet towards it should also be avoided.
On the other hand, the Shia perspective, as noted in Al-Kafi, states: It is not permissible for a man to sit leaning facing the Kaaba.
Al-Kafi 4:138. This explicitly indicates that it is not allowed to point one's feet toward the Ka'bah.
In summary, both Sunni and Shia sources advise against pointing one's feet towards the Ka'bah, with each tradition providing guidance on the matter. For specific rulings and practices, it is advisable to consult a qualified local scholar.
Sources
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Sahih al-Bukhari 4:11
Sahih al-Bukhari · Book 4, Hadith 11 · Narrated by Abdullah ibn Umar
I heard people say that when sitting to relieve oneself, one should not face the Qibla nor face the Sacred Mosque. Abdullah bin Umar said, 'Once I climbed on top of our house and saw the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) sitting facing the Sacred Mosque when he had to relieve himself.' He said, 'Perhaps you are among those who pray on their buttocks.' I said, 'I do not know, by Allah.' Malik added, 'That is, those who pray without rising from the ground, prostrating while still attached to the ground.'
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Al-Kafi 4:138
Al-Kafi · Book 4, Hadith 138
I asked him about the saying of Allah, the Almighty and Majestic: 'Those to whom We have given the Book recite it as it should be recited. They are the ones who believe in it.' He said, 'They are the Imams (peace be upon them).' — OR — It is not permissible for a man to sit leaning facing the Kaaba. — OR — Regarding a man who yawns and stretches during prayer, he said: he belongs to Satan and Satan controls him. — OR — I asked Abu Abdullah (peace be upon him) about some people who accused a slave of a crime that endangered his life and the slave confessed. He said, ‘It is not permissible for a slave to admit a charge against his master; but if they produce evidence against the slave, then the slave is punished according to it or his master may ransom him.’
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