What Is the Walima? Meaning, Rules and Timing of the Wedding Feast
Short answer. The walima is the Islamic wedding feast. The couple gives a meal for family, friends and neighbours. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said to Abdur-Rahman ibn Auf: "Give a walima, even if it's only with one sheep" (Sahih al-Bukhari 5167). So the feast doesn't need to be large.
What is the walima?
The walima follows the nikkah. The nikkah is the marriage itself (What is a nikkah?). The walima is the feast afterwards. In English you also say wedding feast or wedding banquet.
Is the walima obligatory? Scholars don't all think the same about this. Some say you must hold it if you can afford it. Not sure? Ask a trustworthy scholar.
When do you hold the walima?
There is no fixed day. Usually you hold the walima after the nikkah, as the Prophet did at his marriage to Zaynab bint Jahsh. But it may also be at another time: scholars say it can be from the nikkah until after the wedding days. Choose a day that suits you and your guests.
Who do you invite?
Invite family, friends and neighbours. Don't forget people with little money. In Sahih al-Bukhari 5177, the Prophet says: the worst food is that of a wedding feast to which only rich people come.
The feast doesn't need to be large or expensive. The Prophet said to Abdur-Rahman ibn Auf: "Give a walima, even if it's only with one sheep" (Sahih al-Bukhari 5167).
Have you been invited?
Sahih al-Bukhari 5177 also says: whoever refuses an invitation to a wedding feast has disobeyed Allah and His Messenger. Most scholars say you must attend if you're personally invited, unless you have a good reason. A good reason is, for example: something wrong is happening at the feast, or you need to care for your family.
Want to say something beautiful to the couple? Read: Du'a for the bride and groom
How to plan a walima
- Start with your budget. A simple feast is good.
- Make sure everyone is welcome.
- Choose a day that suits your guests.
- Give your guests a beautiful welcome, for example with a welcome sign at the entrance.
A warm welcome at the entrance
Example from the collection: welcome sign for an Islamic wedding or walimaA welcome sign with your names sets the tone straight away. It also remains a lovely detail in your photos.
Browse welcome signsFrequently asked questions
Is the walima the same as the nikkah?
No. The nikkah is the marriage. The walima is the feast afterwards.
How many guests should attend?
There is no fixed number. It depends on what you can afford.
May a walima be simple?
Yes. The Prophet said: give a walima, even if it's only with one sheep (Sahih al-Bukhari 5167).
Is the walima obligatory?
Scholars don't all think the same about this. Some say: yes, if you can afford it. If unsure, ask a trustworthy scholar.
Make your wedding feast personal
Start the walima with a warm welcome.
Sources: Islam Q&A, answer 131252 and 22006; Sahih al-Bukhari 5167; Sahih al-Bukhari 5177. Scholars do not agree on every detail. This is an explanation in plain language. It is not a fatwa and not legal advice.