Question Summary:
Can a teacher lie on the floor and listen to the recitation of the Quraan ?

Question Detail:

Is it permissible for an able bodied, healthy person, out of tiredness to lie on the floor on ones side and test another dhor/sabaq of the Quran Shareef? The Quran Shareef, however is placed on a desk and held by the pupil.

Answer :

In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
As-salāmu ‘alaykum wa-rahmatullāhi wa-barakātuh.
Almighty Allah Taala says in the Quraan:
و اذا قرئ القران فاستمعوا له و انصتوا لعلكم ترحمون
When the Qu’raan is recited, then listen attentively to it and remain silent so that mercy may be shown to you.  (A’raaf-204)
Apart from listening attentively to the Qu’raan, the overall message in the above referred verse is showing adab and respect to the Qu’raan. Adab and respect is not confined to merely listening attentively to the Qu’raan. It includes every attitude to the Qu’raan.
If the teacher is strong and healthy, and lies down while listening to the Qu’raan, this may be viewed from the dimension of sacrifice and dedication to the Qu’raan. The teacher, in spite of being tired is still dedicating time to the listening fo the Qu’raan.
While this dedication is highly commendable, in the sight of the student, this seems disrespectful. The student may not know the internal condition of the teacher. It is therefore advisable the teacher avoid lying down and listening to the Qu’raan when tired. In such a situation it is advisable to terminate the lesson and take a rest.
 
Fatawa Darul Uloom Vol 14 Page 239(Darul Ishaat)
 
And Allah Ta’āla Knows Best
Ismail Dawoodjee
Student Darul Iftaa
Zambia
Checked and Approved by,
Mufti Ebrahim Desai.
www.daruliftaa.net