Q: What is the importance of Walima in Islam? My walima was not done due to the of death of my uncle.
A. The Waleemah feast is Sunnah and not a compulsory act. If it is left out, no sin will be incurred. It is a misconception to think that a Waleemah has to be a lavish feast, with many people invited. Two or three people can be invited with the intention of Waleemah and something simple is served, e.g. a few glasses of milk, or tea and biscuits, etc. Issues such as venue, amount or types of food are immaterial. We advise the boy gives a simple Waleemah by inviting Muslim friends and members of the girls family. Death of the uncle should not have prevented a small Waleemah for the purpose of fulfilling the Sunnah. Waleemah should only be done within the first two days after Nikah, and not thereafter.
Moulana Yusuf Laher
Checked and approved by: Mufti Siraj Desai
A. The Waleemah feast is Sunnah and not a compulsory act. If it is left out, no sin will be incurred. It is a misconception to think that a Waleemah has to be a lavish feast, with many people invited. Two or three people can be invited with the intention of Waleemah and something simple is served, e.g. a few glasses of milk, or tea and biscuits, etc. Issues such as venue, amount or types of food are immaterial. We advise the boy gives a simple Waleemah by inviting Muslim friends and members of the girls family. Death of the uncle should not have prevented a small Waleemah for the purpose of fulfilling the Sunnah. Waleemah should only be done within the first two days after Nikah, and not thereafter.
Moulana Yusuf Laher
Checked and approved by: Mufti Siraj Desai
