Is it permissible to travel for the purpose of attending a wedding?

The questioner : Yes. Peace be upon you.

The Shaykh : And upon you be peace.

The questioner : How are you, Honorable Shaykh?

The Shaykh : Yes, and all praise is due to Allah.

The questioner : Honorable Shaykh, we intend to go to al-Madinah. I am from Jeddah, and I intend to go to al-Madinah, with Allah’s help, next week to attend my wedding, Honorable Shaykh. Yes. Is this permissible?

The Shaykh : Yes.

The questioner : I mean, is it permissible to make the journey for a wedding?

The Shaykh : What do you say if you made the journey for trade? Is that permissible?

The questioner : Yes, it is permissible.

The Shaykh : I am like him.

The questioner : Yes, very well, please proceed.

The Shaykh : I say that perhaps you intend to visit the Prophet’s Mosque in addition to the wedding.

The questioner : But, Honorable Shaykh, I am not going to al-Madinah at all except for this wedding; were it not for Allah, and then this wedding, I would not have gone.

The Shaykh : Well, what is wrong with you also intending to visit? Intend it along with the wedding.

The questioner : Along with the wedding.