Walima

Walima (Arabic: وليمة‎ walīmah), or the marriage banquet, is the second of the two traditional parts of an Islamic wedding. The walima is performed after the nikah (Arabic: نكاح‎) or marriage ceremony. The word walima is derived from alwalam, meaning to gather or assemble. It designates a feast in Arabic. Walima is used as a symbol to show domestic happiness in the household post-marriage.[1] While walima is often used to describe a celebration of marriage, it is also held to celebrate the birth of a newborn and the purchase of a new home. As per shariat, Walima only takes place where the groom and bride resides.

The Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan attends the marriage procession of his eldest son Dara Shikoh. Mughal-Era fireworks were used to brighten the night throughout the wedding ceremony.

Debate: The Time of Walima

Scholars have different views on what the correct time of walima is. The timing varies by culture and opinion; for example some believe it should take place:

  • at the time of the wedding contract (nikah)
  • after nikah and prior to consummation
  • at the time of the wedding procession (Ibn Hajar, Fath al-Bari, 9/287)
  • after consummation.

Other uses of Walima

Walima in literal translation means "to assemble" and is used to describe an assembly or party celebrating major life events. Walima is essentially interchangeable with American and English terms such as: wedding reception or celebration (when held to celebrate a marriage), birthday party (when held to celebrate the birth of a newborn), or housewarming party (when held to celebrate the purchase of a new home). Similarly, walima is generally interchangeable with other languages/cultures terms that essentially mean to assemble for the purposes of celebrating a marriage, newborn, or new home. While it is an Arabic term, it is not necessarily a term reserved for Muslims per se, as the word simply describes the event that is to be celebrated.

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See also
  • Islamic view of marriage
  • Nikah
  • Nikah urfi

References
  1. World faiths, Teach yourself - Islam. By Ruqaiyyah Maqsood. ISBN 0-340-60901-X. Page 179/180.
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