Holding a Walimah after concluding marriage

Q 5: A new phenomenon has recently emerged in wedding ceremonies called Zabihat-ul-Milkah (marriage contracting sacrifice) for which the husband slaughters animals immediately after contracting the marriage. There is also recitation of poetry, lights, games, and dancing during the course of the night. The financial status of most of the married couples is no secret from Your Eminence, but this phenomenon has now become something important which most people cannot dispense with. This is other than the Walimah (wedding dinner), which will follow afterwards. What is the ruling on this; is it a Bid‘ah (innovation in religion) or not?

A: Holding a Walimah at contracting of marriage is not regarded as a Bid‘ah, rather it is a custom, and the ruling on it depends on the surrounding circumstances. If it includes extravagance and wastefulness, is more of a burden on the groom than he can bear, and includes beating the drum and dancing, mixing between men and women, and the like, this is not permissible. But if it is free from prohibited acts, this is permissible. (Part No. 18; Page No. 102) We advise married couples and their parents to be kind and avoid affectation and spending their money on what is not beneficial. The lesser is the marriage expense and the easier in fulfilling its commitments, the more promising it is to bring happiness and success to the married couple. May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.