By habibkhan
February 23, 2015

Marriage is a formal and blessed social contract between the bride and groom. It is a major step in one’s life. Marriage is a matter of great responsibility that should not be taken lightly. In Islam, a marriage ceremony is comprised of a Nikah followed by Walima.

What is “Walima”:

The Arabic word walima is derived from the word walam, which means together. The Arab people used it for a feast where people were invited and gathered. Later the term became exclusive for the wedding feast.

Hazrat Muhammad (S.A.W.W) said:

“The marriage, which is most greatly blessed, is the one which is the lightest in burden (expense). However, if people are well catered for, without extravagance and show, there is no problem with that either.”

(Baihaqi)

These days, our marriages follow such ridiculous traditions on which we tend to waste an enormous amount of money and time which is simply not required to do so. Nikkah and walima are both the sunnah of Hazrat Muhammad (S.A.W.W). So we should try to remember these joyous occasions in the same way as he did to make them more valuable and blissful.

Therefore, if one gives a walima after their nikah, they would be in accordance with the Sunnah of the Messenger of ALLAH, and thus receive a huge reward from their Lord; and if for any reason. One did not offer a walima there is no obligation or sin upon them but here it shows the importance of walima.

There is no time limit in the sunnah for one to offer one’s walima after one’s marriage but one should offer this sunnah and hold a wedding feast as soon as possible.

When to perform Walima:

The walima is right after the nikah. Hazrat Muhammad (S.A.W.W) urged the believers to celebrate the occasion of marriage with a marriage feast which is a walima. The main wisdom behind holding the walima is to announce one’s marriage to the family, friends, and relatives.

According to Islam nikah can be held at the masjid or at home whereas the walima can be held anywhere.

Hazrat Muhammad (S.A.W.W) said:

“The worst of the feasts are those marriage feasts to which the rich are invited and the poor are left out.”

(Mishkat)

How to perform Walima:

There is nothing wrong with a grand Walima being held in a banquet hall and a full course meal if one can afford it. But it’s not a criterion of a successful marriage. Moreover by doing so many people become the victim of debt due to spending lavishly.

Though it’s not that easy to row your boat in the opposite direction to which the society is moving. It’s worth going against the tides that are against the orders of Islam. We should try our utmost to follow the footsteps of Hazrat Muhammad (S.A.W.W). Rather than blindly following the pathetic and ridiculous acts of jahiliyyah in our wedding ceremonies which lead to nothing but fitnah. And do not even guarantee a successful marriage.

Sayyida A’isha (Allah be pleased with her) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) said: