What is the difference between a wedding and a Walimah?

Published as Difference Between Wedding And Walimah

27 Aug 2024 · 23 Safar 1446 AH1 min readEnglish

Question

Q1) What is the difference between a wedding and a Walimah? Is it the same concept but just an English word and Arabic word for each other?

Q2) Is having a wedding permissible with the intention that it is a Walimah, but it is termed as a “wedding” instead of a Walimah?

Answer

A1) A wedding or bridal reception is generally hosted by the girl’s family after the Nikah. This practise is not established from the Quraan and Hadith. [Re: Kitaabun Nawaazil Vol:8 Pg:456] However, Walimah refers to a celebration that is celebrated after the marriage is consummated according to the husband’s ability. The Walimah, which is Sunnah, is proven from the Hadith Sharif and is purely from the groom’s side. The brides party does not contribute towards it. [Re: Kitaabun Nawaazil Vol:8 Pg:464]

A2) The reality of both are different, hence a wedding cannot be considered as a Walimah. The details are mentioned above.

References (Arabic / Urdu sources)

وليمة العرس سنة وفيها مثوبة عظيمة (الفتاوي الهندية ج٥ص٣٤٢)

Answered by: Maulana Ahmed Saeed
Checked & approved by: Mufti Mohammed Desai Saheb

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Fatawa SA: https://fatawa.co.za/fatwa/ibnmasood-34406

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