The Wedding Feast After the Contract
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The fifth question of Fatwa No. ( 16525 )
Q5: There is a phenomenon that has appeared recently regarding marriage, in which the husband slaughters animals immediately after the contract, which we call: (slaughter of the *milkah*) or (the *safa'ih*). Tents are erected for it, along with lighting, games, and dancing, and it lasts for one night. It is known that the financial situation of most married couples is not hidden from your Eminence, but this phenomenon has become a necessity that most people cannot leave behind. This is distinct from the wedding feast that will follow after a period of time. What is its ruling, and is it a religious innovation or not?
A5: Preparing a feast upon the *milkah* (possession) is not among the religious innovations, but rather it is among the customs. Its ruling depends on what accompanies it. If there is extravagance, waste, and burdening the husband with what he cannot afford, and if there is drumming, dancing, free mixing, and the like, then it is not permissible. However, if it is free from committing any forbidden act, then there is no harm. Nevertheless, we advise the couple and their guardians to be gentle and to avoid
ostentation and spending money on things that yield no benefit. The less the marriage costs and the easier the commitments, the more conducive it is to the well-being of the situation and the success of the couple. And success is from Allah, and may Allah send prayers and blessings upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and his Companions.
Q5: There is a phenomenon that has appeared recently regarding marriage, in which the husband slaughters animals immediately after the contract, which we call: (slaughter of the *milkah*) or (the *safa'ih*). Tents are erected for it, along with lighting, games, and dancing, and it lasts for one night. It is known that the financial situation of most married couples is not hidden from your Eminence, but this phenomenon has become a necessity that most people cannot leave behind. This is distinct from the wedding feast that will follow after a period of time. What is its ruling, and is it a religious innovation or not?
A5: Preparing a feast upon the *milkah* (possession) is not among the religious innovations, but rather it is among the customs. Its ruling depends on what accompanies it. If there is extravagance, waste, and burdening the husband with what he cannot afford, and if there is drumming, dancing, free mixing, and the like, then it is not permissible. However, if it is free from committing any forbidden act, then there is no harm. Nevertheless, we advise the couple and their guardians to be gentle and to avoid
ostentation and spending money on things that yield no benefit. The less the marriage costs and the easier the commitments, the more conducive it is to the well-being of the situation and the success of the couple. And success is from Allah, and may Allah send prayers and blessings upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and his Companions.
Source
www.alifta.gov.sa
The Arabic text is copied verbatim from the original source, without any edits.