ummtaalib

Embalming the dead and not burying the dead within 3 days Hanafi Fiqh > Qibla.com Answered by Sidi Salman Younas What is the fiqh ruling on embalming the dead body so it can be sent to another state or country? Also, from my understanding, Muslims need to bury the dead within three days. What happens if they do not do this? Is it a big sin? Aside from decaying, does the dead body suffer in any other way if it is not buried on time? Answer: salamu `alaykum I pray you are well. There are three issues here: [1] Transferring the dead body to another state or country, [2] Embalming it, and [3] Delaying it’s burial. As for transferring a dead body to another land is prohibitively disliked (makruh tahriman) as stated by Imam Shurunbulali in his Nur al Idah, Ibn `Abidin in his Hashiya, Tahtawi in his, and others. Imam Tahtawi states, “(tranferring [the dead body] from one land to another) it is prohibitively disliked because transferring a mile or two is out of need and there is no such need in transferring to another land (s: or city).” This is the relied-upon position within the school. Further, embalming the dead would not be permitted mainly because it involves procedures that the law clearly prohibits or considers disliked, such as the usage of impure substances on the body, incissions, and so forth. As far as delaying the burial is concerned, it is disliked and contrary to the prophetic stipulations of hastening to bury the dead. Abu Hurayra narrates that the Prophet (Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, “Hasten the burial rites” (Bukhari and Muslim) and elsewhere “Make haste with your dead…” as narrated by Ibn `Umar and others. In the Fath al Qadir it states, “It is recommended to hurry the [funeral] preparations when one dies.” (kitab al salat, bab al janaza; Bahr al Ra’iq; Radd al Muhtar) Delaying the burial and other funeral rites could be sinful if the delay is excessive. However, it has no effect on the dead in terms of suffering or reward. And Allah Knows Best Wasalam Salman Approved by Faraz Rabbani Source

Question Are you allowed to listen to Tilaawat-e-Quraan whilst doing other chores or whilst studying (dunya and deeni studies), as long as you do not talk? Answer In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. As-salamu ‘alaykum wa rahmatullahi wa-barakatuh. All-Mighty Allah mentions in the Quran: واذا قرئ القرآن فاستمعواله وانصتوالعلكم ترحمون When the Quran is recited, then listen attentively to it and remain silent so that mercy may be shown to you. (Surah A’raaf, 7:204) [1]The word Istimaa’ in the above verse literally means to listen attentively. [2]When Quran is recited, it is compulsory (Waajib) to listen attentively to the recitation of the Quran. Attentive listening refers to the undivided attention given to the recitation of the Quran. When one is busy in the kitchen (cooking, baking etc.) and the Quran is being recited through any medium, radio, cd etc. and one is also listening attentively to the Quran and the cooking etc. is not obstructing the listening of the Quran, then Istimaa’ (listening attentively) is fulfilled and it would be permissible to listen to Quran at that time. On the other hand, if the Quran is being recited whilst studying (Islamic or non-Islamic studies), then Istimaa’ (listening attentively) will not be fulfilled as in studying the mind is consumed in reading and understanding. In that case, one cannot give undivided attention to the reciting of the Quran and it will not be permissible to listen to Quran at that time. Also keep in mind that it is disrespectful to listen to the Quran as a secondary option and to simply past time. And Allah Ta’ala Knows Best Ismaeel Bassa Student Darul Iftaa Durban, South Africa Checked and Approved by, Mufti Ebrahim Desai. www.daruliftaa.net Source

Remembering Allah Ta’ala in Comfort and Luxury Allah Ta‘ala’s mercy is unrestricted and limitless. It is like an ocean without shores. His mercy is for everyone. People of the past would give up their comforts and riches to attain piety. However, for weak people like us who cannot make such a drastic change, then there is still a chance for us as well. The hadeeth speaks of those with whom Allah Ta‘ala is pleased. They are the ones who lie on their soft cushions and beds but they still remember Allah Ta‘ala. When a person expresses remorse and regret over his wrongs, Allah Ta‘ala becomes extremely pleased with such a person. Source: Al-Haadi

Sublime Conduct with Neighbours Hasan al-Basri (rahmatullahi alayhi) had a Christian neighbour who had a toilet on top of his house. Urine used to seep through from the toilet into the house of Hasan al-Basri (rahmatullahi alayhi), who ordered that a container be placed beneath that area so that the drops would fall therein. At night, he would dispose of the contents. One day, he was ill and his Christian neighbour came to visit him. When he noticed what was going on, he asked, “How long have you been patiently bearing my filth?” Hasan al-Basri (rahmatullahi alayhi) replied, “Twenty years.” On hearing this, he decided to accept Islam. [Taken from “Pearls of the Path” by Maulana Afzal Ismail]

Adopting Patience in the Face of Personal Abuse and Injustice A person once started verbally abusing Hadhrat Abu Bakr (radhiyallahu anhu) while Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) was also sitting there. Because Hadhrat Abu Bakr (radhiyallahu anhu) gave no reply Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) was impressed and kept smiling. However, when the person’s abuse became too much, Hadhrat Abu Bakr (radhiyallahu anhu) replied to some of what he was saying. This angered Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) and he left. Hadhrat Abu Bakr (radhiyallahu anhu) then met Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) and asked, “O Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam)! You were sitting there while he was swearing at me but when I replied to some of his abuse, you became angry and left?” Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) replied, “There was an angel with you who was responding on your behalf. However, when you started replying to some of his abuse, Shaytaan arrived and I could not sit with Shaytaan.” Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) then added, “O Abu Bakr! Three things are absolute facts. Whenever a person overlooks any injustice done to him, Allah lends him tremendous strength. Whenever a person opens the door of gifts with the intention of joining ties, Allah increases for him in abundance. Whenever a person opens the door of begging with the intention of amassing wealth, Allah speeds up the reduction of his wealth.” (Musnad of Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal)

Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) The Peak of Adab (Beautiful Conduct) The Holy Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) was the most patient and forbearing when subjected to persecution. He would pardon anyone who had done him wrong and would treat kindly anybody who had maltreated him. To anyone who had refused to give to him, he would give generously. In short he always repaid evil with good. If he had two alternatives before him, he would adopt the convenient one, provided it was not a sin. (By his example he has permitted facility and convenience to his followers. It is also common experience that those who are inclined to ease and convenience by nature, prescribe the same to others.) The Holy Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) never took revenge from anyone for his own person. Apart from Jihad he never struck any man or animal a blow. (Shama’il-e-Tirmizi)… Once a bedouin came to the Holy Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) and, seizing hold of his wrap tugged at it so hard that his neck was bruised, ordered, “Have corn loaded on these camels of mine, if you do this, you will not be parting with your own riches or those of your father’s (meaning that every thing available in the Baitul Mal belongs to the public and not to you).” The Holy Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) replied: “I will give you nothing unless you compensate me for tugging at my wrap.” The man retorted that he would give no compensation. But the Holy Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) smiled and ordered corn to be loaded on the bedouin’s camels. [Taken from Uswa-e-Rasool-e-Akram by Dr Abdul Hai Arifi] Waiting in a Place for Three Days to Keep One’s Word Narrated Hazrat Abdullah ibn Abul Hamsa’ (radhiyallahu anhu): I bought something from the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) before he received his Prophetic commission, and as there was something still due to him I promised him that I would bring it to him at his place, but I forgot. When I remembered three days later, I went to that place and found him there. He said: “You have inconvenienced me, young man. I have been here for three days waiting for you.” (Sunan Abu Dawud)

Beautiful Conduct, Honesty and Justice Enjoined by Islam Below is a compilation of Hadiths and anecdotes which describe real-life practical examples that display the beautiful conduct, honesty, integrity, and justice enjoined by Islam – such qualities that used to be the norm in Muslim society. Source: Reliable Fatwas.com

The ‘Christian’ Genocide of Jerusalem And the Islamic ‘Revenge’ The Fall of Jerusalem In the year 492 Hijri when the Christians conquered Baitul Maqdis (Jerusalem), they slaughtered 70,000 Muslims in Musjidul Aqsa. Giving a graphic account of the massacre of Muslims by the Crusaders, the Christian historian Michaud writes: “The Saracens were massacred in the streets and in the houses. Jerusalem had no refuge for the vanquished. Some fled from death by precipitating themselves from the ramparts; others crowded for shelter into the palaces, the towers, and above all into their mosques, where they could not conceal themselves from the pursuit of the Christians. The Crusaders, masters of the Mosque of Omar, where the Saracens defended themselves for some time, renewed there the deplorable scenes which disgraced the conquest of Titus. The infantry and cavalry rushed pell-mell among the fugitives. Amid the most horrid tumult, nothing was heard but the groans and cries of death; the victors trod over heaps of corpses in pursuing those who vainly attempted to escape. Raymond d’Agiles, who was an eye- witness, says. ‘that under the portico of the mosque, the blood was knee-deep, and reached the horses’ bridles.” Fulcher of Chartres, a Christian chronicler of that time, said: “In this temple 10,000 were killed. Indeed, if you had been there you would have seen our feet coloured to our ankles with the blood of the slain. But what more shall I relate? None of them were left alive; neither women nor children were spared” The Conquest of Jerusalem Ninety years after the fall of Jerusalem into Christian hands, Sultan Salahuddin Ayyubi (rahmatullah alayh) conquered this prized city. How did the magnanimous Sultan repay the butchery and massacre of 70,000 Muslims at the hands of the savage Crusaders almost a century ago? Describing the conquest of Jerusalem by Sultan Salahuddin, Steven Runcimman, a Christian, writes: “Saladin had the city at his mercy. He could storm it when he wished…………Saladin, so long as his power was recognized, was ready to be generous, and he wished Jerusalem to suffer as little as possible. He consented to make terms and offered that every Christian should be able to redeem himself at the rate of ten dinars a man, five a woman and one a child……On Friday 2nd October, Saladin entered Jerusalem. It was the 27th day of Rajab……….The victors (i.e. the Muslims) were correct and humane. Where the Franks, eighty-eight years before, had waded through the blood of their (Muslim) victims, not a building now was looted, not a person injured. By Saladin’s orders guards patrolled the streets and the gates, preventing any outrage on the Christians……. Then Saladin announced that he would liberate every aged man and woman. When the Frankish ladies who had ransomed themselves came in tears to ask him where they should go, for their husbands or fathers were slain or captive, he answered by promising to release every captive husband, and to the widows and orphans he gave gifts from his own treasury. His mercy and kindness were in strange contrast to the deeds of the Christian conquerors of the First Crusade. The Orthodox Christians and the Jacobites remained in Jerusalem. Each had to pay a capitation tax in addition to his ransom, though many poorer classes were excused the payment. The rich amongst them bought up much of the property left vacant by the Franks’ departure. The rest was bought by Moslems and Jews whom Saladin encouraged to settle in the city. When the news of Saladin’s victory reached Constantinople the Emperor Isaac Angelus sent an embassy to Saladin to congratulate him and to ask that the Christian Holy Places should revert to the Orthodox Church. After a little delay his request was granted.” This was the noble manner in which Sultan Salahuddin, the Conqueror of Jerusalem reciprocated the cold blooded massacre of 70,000 Muslims by the Crusaders 88 years before. In so doing, he was implementing the Qur’aanic command: “Ward off evil with what is beautiful.” [Mujlisul Ulama]

For visitors to Jerusalem and Masjidul Aqsa See Here

Jazanah Salah: Jazanah Salah is usually done after Dhohar Salah spelling mistakes above Also the part on "The original Mosque of Omar" needs more clarification I feel, since there appears to be confusion on the one where 'Umar RA is said to have prayed before entering. This page says: This article is about mosque in Bethlehem. For the mosque with the same name in Jerusalem, see Mosque of Omar.

Jazakallaahu khayraa for the excellent compilation...may Allah ta'ala accept. For future visitors to Al-Quds Before our visit we did a lot of research and reading up and Alhamdulillah it worked out wonderful with the grace of Allah ta'ala...we had very little time due to flights for umrah so almost no sightseeing, next time inshaAllah! The following report (entry to Jerusalem through Amman) is how we went as well however on our own and not with a tour group and it worked out fine Alhamdulillah...and one thing: the staff on the Israeli side are extremely obnoxious and intimidating and plan to scare people by picking one or two persons from a group and trying to intimidate them with long, unnecessary questions, checking luggage and keeping back the whole group for hours! No need to be scared. Remain calm and answer their questions.The worst they can do is send you back. Perform Salah when time and ignore dirty looks : )

اَللّٰهُمَّ أِنِّيْ أَسْأَلُكَ مِنْ خَيْرِ مَا سَأَبَكَ Acacia, please check this du'a again....the "Baa" should be a "laam" in سَأَبَكَ

Bleeding after a miscarriage Q: I was 11 and half weeks pregnant and started brownish spotting. I went to the gynae who couldn't find a heartbeat (they refer to it as a missed miscarriage as I had no symptoms of a miscarriage). Few hours later I had a heavy flow and the next morning went in for a D&C (scraping of the womb) please advise if this is istihaaza? A: If the limbs of the foetus were not formed then if the blood flowed for three days or more it would be regarded as haidh. The woman will follow her previous menstruating cycle. E.g. If she was used to bleeding for five days and she now bled for over ten days, five days will be regarded as haidh and the remainder days as istihaadhah. If the limbs of the foetus were formed, then the bleeding will be regarded as nifaas. And Allah Ta'ala (الله تعالى) knows best. والسقط إن ظهر بعض خلقه من أصبع أو ظفر أو شعر ولد فتصير به نفساء هكذا في التبيين وإن لم يظهر شيء من خلقه فلا نفاس لها فإن أمكن جعل المرئي حيضا يجعل حيضا وإلا فهو استحاضة (هندية 1/37) Answered by: Mufti Zakaria Makada Checked & Approved: Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)

Performing Sunnats while on a journey Q: I read in one narration that the prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) would not read sunnats after Salaah while on a journey. So should we only read fard and sunnah of fajr and Witr? Is this correct? A: Apart from the witr salaah and the two sunnats of fajar, during a journey one has been given the choice in regard to the other Sunnats. The status of the Sunnat salaah becomes nafil. It is reported in the Hadith that during the safar at times Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) would perform the Sunnats and at times he would leave out performing the Sunnats. Hence if no inconvenience will be caused to those with whom one is travelling with and one is at ease (e.g. one reaches one's destination where one will be staying for less than 15 days), then it is better for one to perform the Sunnats. And Allah Ta'ala (الله تعالى) knows best. (ويأتي ) المسافر ( بالسنن ) إن كان ( في حال أمن وقرار وإلا ) بأن كان في خوف وفرار ( لا ) يأتي بها هو المختار لأنه ترك لعذر تجنيس قيل إلا سنة الفجر (الدر المختار 2/131) Answered by: Mufti Zakaria Makada Checked & Approved: Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)

Sell not Your Religion! Among the most compelling contemporary challenges, are the alarmingly increasing temptations to compromise on one’s basic beliefs. When a person loses focus of what is important in his/her life, then to sell off the most valuable asset becomes easy. In so doing, he/she is the biggest loser. In a Hadith of Sahih Muslim, Rasulullah (sallallahu’alayhi wasallam) warned the ummah of a time when people would put their worldly aspirations ahead of their religious obligations. Sayyiduna Abu Hurayrah (radiyallahu’anhu) reports that Rasulullah (sallallahu’alayhi wasallam) said: ‘Be quick in increasing your good deeds, before such trials arrive, in which a person who was a believer in the morning will become a kafir (non believer) by the evening, or he who was a believer in the evening would become a non believer by the morning; because of him selling his din (religion) in exchange of the acquisitions of the world.’ (Sahih Muslim, hadith: 309) The different forms ‘Selling one’s religion has two forms’, says the Grand Mufti; Muhammad Rafi’ ‘Uthmani (may Allah protect him): ‘Formally renouncing one’s religion for another because of the temptation of wealth etc. To forgo/compromise a deed of Islam in exchange of worldly gain. Such a person doesn’t necessarily become a non believer, but he is guilty of a very serious sin.’ (Dars Muslim, vol.1 pg.402) This Hadith is actually a diagnosis of the current state of the world. This epidemic has engulfed all facets of society, the leaned and the layman. When a man’s priority is his worldly assets, then to compromise on his religion is not considered serious anymore! For this reason, we find it has become so easy for people to say (or do) the wrong just to satisfy certain individuals, or merely to attain particular positions etc. The increasing number of such opportunities is scary. These are people who were actually given a subtle choice; either stick to your religious practice and be deprived of the worldly gain that’s on offer, or vice-versa. Those who choose wisely will not regret their decision. One should be scared at the thought of being in such a situation, for very few in these days will pass the test! May Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala save me and all from such trials. Amin. Allah Ta’ala says regarding those who chose unwisely: ‘Those are the ones who have purchased misguidance in exchange of guidance. Their trade was not profitable, and neither were they guided. Their example is like that of a person who lights a fire. When it brightens his surroundings, Allah removes their light and leaves them in darkness, unable to see.’ (Surah: 2, Ayah: 16-17) A Lesson from History There are countless inspirational anecdotes on the subject, of which I chose to quote the following only: Imam ‘Affan ibn Muslim As-Saffar (rahimahullah) was a reliable Muhaddith (Hadith Master) but he possessed little of this world. His condition was so dire, that he once had to ask his associate; Imam ‘Amr Al-Fallas (rahimahullah) for some food as he had nothing to feed his household; who numbered close to forty! When this illustrious Imam was asked to support the innovated view of the then leader regarding the Holy Quran, he refused. He was threatened that his monthly pension from the public treasury –which was a hundred silver coins-, would be withheld. He responded by reciting the verse: ‘And in the sky is your sustenance and whatever you are promised’ (Surah: 51, Ayah: 22) When he returned home, his family (who were nearly 40 in number) reproached him for this. A few moments later, he heard a knock on the door. It was a person who seemed to be a hard labourer that had come to hand him a bag of one hundred silver coins saying: ‘O Abu ‘Uthman! May Allah preserve you like you preserved the din (religion). I will be giving this to you every month.’ (Adabul ikhtilaf of Al-Muhaddith Shaykh Muhammad ‘Awwamah, pg.105) Moral Those who value their religion are actually valued by their creator. Who forsakes his religion in any way, may be forsaken by his Creator when he needs Him the most… History is filled with proofs for both of the above. We ask Allah Ta’ala to save us from such trials, but in the event that they cannot be avoided, may He inspire us with the strength to withstand the temptations of this world, especially when it results in serious damage to our din. Amin. al-miftah

The Fiqh of the Wedding Feast (Walima) QUESTION Can you please explain the various aspects related to Walima (marriage feast) in detail? ANSWER In the name of Allah, Most Compassionate, Most Merciful, The Arabic word Walima (marriage banquet) is derived from the root word Walam, which literally means to gather and assemble. The Arabs used it for a meal or feast where people were invited and gathered. Later, the term became exclusive for the wedding banquet. The Arabs used different terms for the various feasts they enjoyed. For example: al-I’zar on the occasion of a child’s circumcision, al-Khurs for a marriage not ending in divorce, al-Wakira on building a new home, al-Naqi’ah when a traveller returns home, al-Aqiqah on the seventh day after childbirth, al-Ma’duba for a general meal without any specific reason, etc. (See: Ibn Hajar, Fath al-Bari, 9/300 & Ibn Qudamah, al-Mugni, 7/1) The marriage feast (walima) is a Sunnah of our beloved Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace). It is an outward expression of gratitude and pleasure and a great means of publicising the marriage, which has been greatly encouraged. Sayyiduna Anas ibn Malik (Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) saw a yellow mark on Abdur Rahman ibn Awf (Allah be pleased with) and said: “What’s this?” He replied: “I have married a woman with the dowry being gold to the weight of a date-stone.” The Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) said: “May Allah bless you (in your marriage), perform a Walima, even if it is only with a goat.” (Sahih al-Bukhari,no. 4872) The Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) himself provided a Walima after many of his marriages. He provided meat and bread on the occasion of his marriage with Zaynab bint Jahsh (Allah be pleased with her), Hays (a type of sweat-dish cooked with dates, cheese & butter) on the occasion of his marriage with Safiyya (Allah be pleased with her) and barley on another occasion. (See: Sahih al-Bukhari & Sahih Muslim) Thus, it is a Sunnah and strongly recommended to have a Walima. Ibn Qudamah, the great Hanbali Imam, states in his renowned al-Mugni: “There is no difference of opinion between the scholars, in that Walima is a prescribed Sunnah at the time of marriage, for the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) ordered it and himself practiced it…..It is not necessary (wajib) in the opinion of most of the scholars.” (al-Mugni, 7/1-2) The time of Walima The scholars have disagreed as to the correct time of this Walima. There are many opinions. For example: 1) At the time of the marriage contract, 2) After the marriage contract and before consummation of marriage, 3) At the time of the wedding procession (bride leaving for her husband’s house). (Ibn Hajar, Fath al-Bari, 9/287) However, the majority of the scholars (jumhur) are of the opinion that Walima is a meal that is prepared after the marriage has been consummated. This was the practice of the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace), as explicitly mentioned in one narration. Sayyiduna Anas ibn Malik (Allah be pleased with him) narrates that he was a boy of ten when the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) migrated to Madina. (He added): “My mother and aunts used to urge me to serve the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) regularly, thus I served him for ten years. When the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) passed away, I was twenty years old, and I knew about the order of Hijab more than anyone else, when it was revealed. It was revealed for the first time when the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) had consummated his marriage with Zainab bint Jahsh (Allah be pleased with her). The Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) in the morning was a bridegroom, and he invited the people to a banquet. So they came, ate, and then all left except a few who remained with the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) for a long time….. (Sahih al-Bukhari, no. 4871) Sayyiduna Anas (Allah be pleased with him) said: “The Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) consummated his marriage with a woman (Zainab), so he sent me to invite people for a meal.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, no. 4875) The great Hadith master (hafidh), Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani (Allah have mercy on him) states: “The Hadith of Anas (quoted above) is clear in determining that Walima is considered to be after the consummation of marriage.” (Fath al-Bari, 9/199. Also see: I’la al-Sunan, vol. 10, p. 11) It is stated in al-Fatawa al-Hindiyya: “The marriage banquet (walima) is a Sunna and there is great reward in it. And it is carried out when the marriage is consummated.” (al-Fatawa al-Hindiyya, 5/343) Having said this, scholars mention that there is also scope in following the other opinions, thus if one had a Walima before consummation, it is hoped that one will gain the reward of Sunnah, Insha Allah. How many days? The Hanafi jurists (fuqaha) are of the opinion that, a banquet up to two days will be considered to be a Walima, after which it will no longer be considered a Walima. It is stated in al-Fatawa al-Hindiyya: “There is nothing wrong in inviting people the next day after consummation or the day after. After that, marriage and Walima celebrations will come to an end.” (5/343) It has also been reported from the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) that he stated: “Walima on the first day is confirmed (haq), and on the second day, it is good (ma’ruf), and on the third day, it is showing off.” (Sunan Abu Dawud, no. 3738) Although scholars mention that if there is a need, such as not being able to invite everybody on one day, then it will not be wrong to invite them on separate days. Who should be invited? Sayyiduna Abu Huraira (Allah be pleased with him) states: “The worst food is that of a wedding banquet (walima) to which only the rich are invited whilst the poor are not invited. And he who refuses an invitation (to a banquet) disobeys Allah and His Messenger (Allah bless him & give him peace).” (Sahih al-Bukhari, no. 4882) It is stated in al-Fatawa al-Hindiyya: “It is recommended to invite neighbours, relatives and friends.” (5/343) Thus, one should invite family-members, relatives, friends, associates, scholars and pious people and others. It is wrong to invite only rich people or those who are regarded to be from the upper-class. Accepting a Walima invitation Sayyiduna Abd Allah ibn Umar (Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) said: “If one of you is invited to a wedding banquet (walima), then he must accept the invitation.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, no. 4878) Sayyiduna Abd Allah ibn Umar (Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) said: “Accept this (marriage) invitation if you are invited to it.” And Abd Allah ibn Umar used to accept the invitation whether to a wedding banquet or to any other feast, even when he was fasting. (Sahih al-Bukhari, no. 4884) Due to the above and other narrations, many scholars regard the acceptance of a Walima invitation to be binding, and one will be sinful for refusing it. The great Hadith and Sahfi’i scholar, Imam al-Nawawi (Allah have mercy on him) has mentioned various opinions of the scholars in this regard: 1) It is personally obligatory (fard ayn), except if there is an excuse, 2) It is a general obligation (fard kifaya) 3) It is recommended (mandub) (See: Nawawi, al-Minhaj, Sharh Sahih Muslim, 1080) In the Hanafi Madhhab, the preferred opinion is that, accepting a Walima invitation is an emphatic Sunnah (sunnah al-Mu’akkada), and accepting other invitations is recommended (mandub). This is in normal cases, for if there is a valid reason, one will be excused from not attending. Imam Ibn Abidin (Allah have mercy on him) states: “The (hanafi) scholars have differed as to the ruling of accepting a Walima invitation. Some have stated that it is necessary (wajib), in that it is impermissible to refuse. However the majority of the scholars mention that it is a Sunnah. It is better to accept it if it is a Walima invitation, otherwise (on other occasions) one has a choice to accept it, and to accept it would be better, because it creates joy and happiness in the heart of a Muslim. When one accepts the invitation and attends the party, one has fulfilled the responsibility, regardless of whether one ate or otherwise, although it is better to eat if one is not fasting……It is stated in al-Ikhtiyar: “A Walima is an established Sunna. The one who does not accept it would be sinful, for the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him& give him peace) said: “He who refuses an invitation (to a banquet) disobeys Allah and His Messenger (Allah bless him & give him peace).” If one is fasting, then one should attend and make Dua, and if not, then one should eat and make Dua. However, if one neither eats nor attends, then one will be sinful…. This indicates that accepting a Walima invitation is Sunnah al-Mu’akkada, contrary to meals and invitations on other occasions. Some commentators of al-Hidaya have declared that it is close to being a Wajib.” (Ibn Abidin, Radd al-Muhtar ala al-Durr, 6/349) In light of Ibn Abidin’s explanation, it becomes clear that accepting a Walima invitation is Sunnah al-Mu’akkada, and one must accept it. Refusing to attend will be offensive if not sinful, provided one does not have an excuse, and also that one was specifically invited to the Walima. Simplicity Finally, it should be remembered that, the simpler the Walima (and the marriage ceremony as a whole) is kept, the better it will be. At times, people spend thousands upon thousands in feeding people, a sum which can be used for other indispensable needs of the Muslims. And if the intention behind spending such an amount is to show-off, then this will be regarded a grave sin. The idea here is to feed people with sincerity and simplicity. If one feeds people with the simplest of meals but it is from the heart, that is far better (and the food is also more enjoyable) than feeding them quality food, where the intention is not so sincere. Sayyida A’isha (Allah be pleased with her) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) said: “The most blessed marriage (nikah) is the one with the least expenses.” (al-Bayhaqi in his Shu’ab al-Iman & Mishkat al-Masabih). And Allah knows best [Mufti] Muhammad ibn Adam Darul Iftaa Leicester , UK Source

Bride's father contributing towards a Waleemah Question 1. In a Walimah, will it be permissible and within sunnah if the brides father contributes some money and physically assist in the Waleemah preparation? 2. Is it permissible to delay the Walimah after the expiry of three days? Answer 1. The Walimah meal is essentially an invitation from the groom. If the bride's father, of his own will, wishes to contribute monetarily or physically it is permissible and there is no bar from doing so. 2. This is permissible, though it is best to have the Walimah soon after consummation of the Nikah. Mufti Shafiq Jakhura Iftaa Department, Darul Ihsan Islamic Services Centre I concur with the answer: Mufti Zubair Bayat Ameer, Darul Ihsan Islamic Services Centre Source

Time of the Waleemah Ideal time for a Walimah

Accepting the Invitation Abu Hurayrah (radi Allahu anhu) reported that the Prophet (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) said, “The worst food is the food of the marriage banquet from which those are left out who would like to come; and to which those are invited who refuse to come. He who rejects an invitation disobeys Allah and His Messenger.” [sahih Muslim] In another narration of Sahih Muslim the Messenger of Allah (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) said, “The worst food is the food of the marriage banquet to which the rich are invited and from which the poor are left out.”

Haraam Activities in a Waleemah

Who to Invite

Simplicity in a Waleemah Anas Radhiyallahu Anhu states, “Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam camped at a place between Khaybar and Madinah for three days. It was here that he consummated his marriage to Safiyyah Radhiyallahu Anha, after which I invited the Muslims present to a Walimah meal that featured neither bread nor meat. Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam instructed for a leather tablecloth to be layed. He then spread dates, cheese and butter unto it. This was the Walimah of Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam.” [bukhari]

Food for the Waleemah The Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) himself provided a Walima after many of his marriages. He provided meat and bread on the occasion of his marriage with Zaynab bint Jahsh (Allah be pleased with her), Hays (a type of sweat-dish cooked with dates, cheese & butter) on the occasion of his marriage with Safiyya (Allah be pleased with her) and barley on another occasion. [sahih al-Bukhari & Sahih Muslim]

It is a Sunnah The marriage feast (walima) is a Sunnah of our beloved Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace). Sayyiduna Anas ibn Malik (Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) saw a yellow mark on Abdur Rahman ibn Awf (Allah be pleased with) and said: “What’s this?” He replied: “I have married a woman with the dowry being gold to the weight of a date-stone.” The Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) said: “May Allah bless you (in your marriage), perform a Walima, even if it is only with a goat.” [sahih al-Bukhari, no. 4872]

What is a Waleemah? The Arabic word Walima (marriage banquet) is derived from the root word Walam, which literally means to gather and assemble. The Arabs used it for a meal or feast where people were invited and gathered. Later, the term became exclusive for the wedding banquet. The Arabs used different terms for the various feasts they enjoyed. For example: al-I’zar on the occasion of a child’s circumcision, al-Khurs for a marriage not ending in divorce, al-Wakira on building a new home, al-Naqi’ah when a traveller returns home, al-Aqiqah on the seventh day after childbirth, al-Ma’duba for a general meal without any specific reason, etc. (See: Ibn Hajar, Fath al-Bari, 9/300 & Ibn Qudamah, al-Mugni, 7/1) It is an outward expression of gratitude and pleasure and a great means of publicising the marriage, which has been greatly encouraged. Mufti Muhammad Ibn Adam Source