If the custom of people in responding to a wedding feast is that one must bring some gifts, is it obligatory for him to accept the invitation even if he does not have the price of the gift?

The Shaykh : Now, among people, some have customs regarding the wedding feast; if you are invited, it means you must bring something, is that right?

The questioner : Yes

The Shaykh : And you may not have anything, so is it obligatory for you to respond? What do you say? It is not obligatory for him, because this puts you in a difficult position, as I said, it entails either that he borrows or that he asks, it is not obligatory for him, unless he says, "By Allah, if you want to come without anything, or will it be a hardship for him afterwards? Huh? If it is a hardship for him, then he should excuse himself, so he should excuse himself."

The questioner : ... In the time of the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him), he would bear the cost, the host of the feast, he was...

The Shaykh : Correct, yes, the one who hosts the feast is the groom, the one who hosts the feast is the groom, yes.

The questioner : ... meaning that is different from today.

The Shaykh : So it means the feast is a burden now.

The questioner : Yes, that is right.

The Shaykh : Very well.