What is Walima?
Marriage is a hugely significant part of Muslim life, bringing together a man and a woman in a legally-binding institution. There are two parts to an Islamic wedding, the Nikah and the Walima, both important celebrations in Muslim culture.
So what is Walima? We will discuss the history, the different types of Walima, and what traditionally happens at Walima, so we should have all your questions covered.
What is Walima?
Walima is a Muslim celebration that is held after the Nikah ceremony. It is a time for the couple to celebrate their marriage with their family, friends and loved ones. The Walima is typically a more relaxed and festive event than the Nikah ceremony.
The types of Walima
There are two types of Walima, and each couple can choose the Walima they want depending on their preferences. Some couples prefer a small, private Walima to celebrate with their closest loved ones, whilst others choose a larger, more public Walima to celebrate with wider communities.
Walima al-khas
A small, private Walima that is only attended by close family, friends and loved ones.
Walima al-‘amm
A larger, more public walima that is open to anyone who wishes to attend.
What Walima means?
Walima is an Arabic word that means “banquet” or “feast” and is spoken about in the Quran. Walima is a tradition that has been practised by Muslims for centuries and is thought to have originated in the Arabian Peninsula in the early days of Islam. It was a way for the married couple to share their joy with their community and to thank them for their support.
Over time, the Walima has evolved and become a more elaborate event. More recently, Walimas can be quite large and festive, with food, music, and dancing. However, the core purpose of the Walima remains the same: to celebrate the marriage of the happy couple and to wish them well.
What happens at Walima?
The Walima is a Sunnah, or “teaching,” of the Prophet Muhammad PBUH; he had Walimas after his own marriages, where he served meat and bread to his guests.
Islam is clear that a Walima should be given, but there is some disagreement about when it should be celebrated. Some scholars argue that it should be held at the same time as the Nikah (marriage ceremony), while others say it should be held after the nikah but before the consummation of the marriage.
Most scholars agree that the Walima should be held after the Nikah ceremony as the Prophet Muhammad PBUH said that the best time to have the Walima is on the first day after the Nikah. It can also be held up to two days after the ceremony; however, after this time, it is no longer considered to be a Walima.
The Walima is a time for the couple to celebrate their marriage with their family and friends and is also a way for the couple to thank their guests. The Walima can be a simple or elaborate event, depending on the preferences of the couple and their families.
Is Walima compulsory?
Walima is not compulsory in Islam, but it is considered a Sunnah, or recommended practice.
However, there are also some scholars who believe that Walima is not compulsory. They argue that the Prophet Muhammad PBUH only had Walimas because it was the custom of the time. They also argue that there is no clear command in the Quran that Muslims must have Walimas, so ultimately, the decision of whether or not to have a Walima is up to the couple and their families.
Etiquette of attending Walima
The core purpose of the Walima remains the same: to celebrate the marriage of the couple and to wish them well. However, there are some guidelines regarding the etiquette of attending a Walima:
- It is considered polite to bring a gift to the Walima. The gift should be something that is appropriate for the occasion, such as food, clothing, or jewellery.
- It is also considered polite to dress modestly at the Walima. As it is a religious event, it is important to dress in a way that is respectful.
- It is important to be respectful of the couple and their families. The Walima is a celebration of their marriage, so it is important to be happy for them and to wish them well. If you are planning a Walima, we recommend that you consult with your imam or other religious leader to get more specific guidance.
