In the name of Allah the Most Gracious the Most Merciful

Is it Permissible to Face a Fire or a Heater While Praying?

By Shaykh Saalih bin Fawzaan al-Fawzaan, may Allah preserve him

Question: Some people at times, particularly due to extreme weather and cold, have to light a fire or heater such that it is in front of them when they pray. Should one place it in the direction of the qiblah?

Answer: The scholars say it is disliked to face a fire even if it were a lamp. So he should not face fire (of any type), rather he should put it to the side and not in front of him because this is imitating the Magians who worship fire.