Regarding walima function. For the marriage I am thinking to do it in a masjid and I would like ladies to go and bring the bride.

Jazakallah.

In the name of Allah, Most Compassionate, Most Merciful.

Answer

For a person to be truly happy in this world as well as the hereafter the path and method shown by the Prophet (sallal lahu alayhi wa sallam) must be followed in all aspects of life. It is a sad fact that we have left the practice of the Prophet (sallal lahu alayhi wa sallam) in our conducting of marriage and thus are being deprived of the blessings they bring.

For a marriage to be valid all that is required is that at least two witnesses are present at the time of marriage and they should witness the offer and acceptance.

While the marriage is being conducted moderation in regards to expenses should be observed. Abdullah ibn Sarjis narrates that the Prophet (sallal lahu alayhi wa sallam) said: “A good manner of conduct, deliberation and moderation are a twenty-fourth part of prophecy.” (Tirmidhi: 1311)

From the above it is clear that a person should not be miserly if he has wealth, however, at the same time he should not be extravagant and lavish. The best path is the middle path of moderation.

In regards to walimah, Anas (radi allahu anhu) narrates that the Prophet seeing a yellow mark (of perfume) on the clothes of ‘Abdur-Rahman bin ‘Auf, said, “What about you?” ‘Abdur-Rahman replied, “I have married a woman with a Mahr of gold equal to a date-stone.” The Prophet said, “May Allah bestow His Blessing on you (in your marriage). Give a wedding banquet, (Walima) even with one sheep.” (Sahih Bukhari: Vol 8, 395)

It is sunnah to have a walimah on the occasion of marriage. The main reason behind this is to publicise the marriage. The walimah may be performed anywhere as long as nothing contrary to shariah takes place at its location.

And Allah knows best.

Sayeedur Rahman

Darul Ifta, Birmingham