Fatwa ID: 08143

Answered by: Molana Sibghat Ullah

Question:

Does a couple have to consummate the marriage before the Walimah?

بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

Answer:

It is recommended that the walimah be held after the consummation of marriage, following the example of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). He (peace be upon him) held the walimah after consummating his marriage with Zaynab (may Allah be pleased with her).1

If it is held before consummation, there is no harm in it, but it is preferable to hold it after consummation.2

Hope this answers the question.

Only Allah knows best.

Written by: Molana Sibghat Ullah
Checked and approved by: Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah
Darul Ifta Birmingham

References:

ويستحب أن يكون الوليمة بعد البناء؛ اقتداءً بالنبي صلى الله عليه وسلم فإنه أولم بعد البناء بزينب رضي الله عنها.

الوليمة سنة مؤكدة عند الدخول بالزوجة، وإن أُقيمت قبل الدخول فلا بأس، لكن الأولى أن تكون بعد الدخول.
The walimah is an emphasized Sunnah upon consummation of the marriage. If it is held before consummation, there is no harm, but it is preferable for it to be after consummation.