Walima
وليمة
Pronunciation: wah-LEE-mah
The marriage feast in Islam - a recommended celebration hosted after the nikah.
Definition
The wedding feast in Islam, a Sunnah celebration held to announce and celebrate a marriage. The Prophet (peace be upon him) instructed a Companion to hold a walima "even with one sheep" (Sahih al-Bukhari 5167), and attending when invited is emphasized. The walima is traditionally hosted by the groom's side, though customs vary by culture.
Importantly, the walima is distinct from the mahr: the mahr is the husband's obligatory gift to the wife, while the walima is a recommended celebration. Islam encourages moderation - a simple, debt-free feast is closer to the Sunnah than the lavish, often loan-funded weddings that cultural expectations sometimes impose.
Related Terms
Nikahنكاح
The Islamic marriage contract - verbal or written, requiring offer, acceptance, and witnesses.
Mahrمهر
The obligatory bridal gift in Islamic marriage - a financial right of the wife, due from the husband.
Kafa'aكفاءة
Compatibility or suitability between spouses considered in an Islamic marriage match.
Mut'ah (consolatory gift)متعة الطلاق
A consolatory gift a husband gives a divorced wife in Islam, distinct from temporary marriage.
Bai' Bithaman Ajilبيع بثمن آجل
A deferred-payment sale: the price is fixed up front and paid in installments, usually higher than the cash price.
Bai' Muajjalبيع مؤجل
A credit sale where delivery is immediate and payment is deferred to an agreed future date.
Further Reading
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Walima (وليمة) - The marriage feast in Islam - a recommended celebration hosted after the nikah. The wedding feast in Islam, a Sunnah celebration held to announce and celebrate a marriage. The Prophet (peace be upon him) instructed a Companion to hold a walima "even with one sheep" (Sahih al-Bukhari 5167), and attending when invited is emphasized.
- The marriage feast in Islam - a recommended celebration hosted after the nikah.
- Category: Contracts
- Related: Nikah, Mahr, Kafa'a, Mut'ah (consolatory gift), Bai' Bithaman Ajil, Bai' Muajjal
Source: HalalWallet (halalwallet.ca)
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Reviewed by: HalalWallet Editorial Team
Last reviewed: 2026-10-01
Editorial Team, HalalWallet
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