Most-asked question
Are mehndi, wedding receptions and other customs permissible?
212 fatawa in the archive answer questions on this, from 6 South African Darul Iftas (Mufti Online, Ask Imaam, Ibn Masood, Azaadville, Jamiat KZN, MUBZ). Below, each Darul Ifta’s answer is quoted word for word from the opening of one of its fatawa.
Based on the fatawa linked below. Please read the sources and double-check with a Darul Ifta for your situation.
Consult a mufti for your situation. Fatawa SA is a read-only archive and issues no rulings of its own.
What the Darul Iftas say
“1. It is permissible to go to the house in order to confirm the proposal. However, holding an engagement function for this purpose is an unfounded practice. The Sunnah is that when a match is found, then the nikaah should be performed. One should not delay in performing the nikaah.”
“The basic straight-forward usage and application of Mehndi by women on their hands and feet is permissible. However, according to our Darul-Iftaa, the application of Mehndi by females on their nails only (whilst excluding the palm) is a practice that must be avoided due to the following reasons:”
“It is preferable that the Walimah be done after consummation of the marriage. However, if the Walimah is done before consummation of the marriage, that will be permissible.”
“According to most Fuqaha, a Masnoon Walimah is after the consummation of the marriage or Khalwah Saheehah (i.e. such a seclusion between a newly married couple in which they are able to have sexual intercourse and there is no Shar’i or physical barrier preventing it).”
Quotes are the opening words of each answer as published; the full answer, its conditions and references are on the fatwa page. Answers depend on the exact details of each question.
Read the fatawa
- Commencement Of WalimahIbn Masood · 31 Mar 2026
- Dua to read on Shab-e-baraatMufti Online · 13 Feb 2025
- Walimah Hosted By The Side Of The GirlAzaadville · 29 Nov 2024
- Making Masah on the tape applied over MehndiJamiat KZN · 26 Jul 2024
- When Walima should be done, Can both parties split the cost of the Walima?Ask Imaam · 18 Aug 2022
- Bridal Showers and Principles of ImitationMUBZ · 17 Jun 2026
- Hosting A WalimahIbn Masood · 29 Jan 2026
- Reciting a qiraat at a walimah functionMufti Online · 27 Nov 2024
- Applying Mehndi On A Non-Muslim At The Time Of DiwaliAzaadville · 31 Oct 2024
- Making Masah on the tape applied over MehndiJamiat KZN · 12 Sep 2023
- Can Walima be done before consummation?Ask Imaam · 8 Oct 2021
- Wearing a White Wedding DressMUBZ · 25 Aug 2025
- Hosting A Walimah On Masjid PropertyIbn Masood · 15 Oct 2025
- Engagement functionsMufti Online · 28 Jan 2019
- A Woman Applying Mehndi To Her Nails OnlyAzaadville · 22 Jun 2021
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