QUESTION:

In today’s time its very difficult to separate tradition from religion in weddings. What is permissible to do for a wedding e.g. hanging lights, making a movie, photos, mehndi, doing the jaanj etc. If you could please explain.

ANSWER:

All that which is contrary and against the pristine shari’ah is not allowed. Any tradition which does not oppose the shari’ah will be deemed valid.

The nik’ah/walimah is an important event in a Muslims life so it should be performed in a manner which is in accordance with the shari’ah. The Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وآله وصحبه وسلم) has told us numerous virtues of marriage, therefore carrying out the ceremonies correctly will be beneficial and rewarding for the couple.

Music, dancing, the mixing of non-mahrams and over expenditure which results in wastage is all strictly haraam and must be avoided.

قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏ ‏ أَعْلِنُوا هَذَا النِّكَاحَ وَاجْعَلُوهُ فِي الْمَسَاجِدِ وَاضْرِبُوا عَلَيْهِ بِالدُّفُوفِ

The Messenger of Allah (صلى الله عليه وآله وصحبه وسلم) said: “Publicize this marriage, and hold it in the Masjid, and beat the Duff for it.

[Jami` at-Tirmidhi 1089]

قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ ـ صلى الله عليه وسلم ـ ‏ انْكِحُوا فَإِنِّي مُكَاثِرٌ بِكُمْ

The Messenger of Allah (صلى الله عليه وآله وصحبه وسلم) said: “Marry, for I will boast of your great numbers.”

[Ibn Majah Book 9, Hadith 1936]

قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ ـ صلى الله عليه وسلم ـ ‏ ‏ لَمْ نَرَ لِلْمُتَحَابَّيْنِ مِثْلَ النِّكَاحِ ‏

The Messenger of Allah (صلى الله عليه وآله وصحبه وسلم) said: “There is nothing like marriage, for two who love one another.”

[Ibn Majah Book 9, Hadith 1920]

Allah knows best.

Answered by Mawlana Mohammed Kashif

Please also see: [Q-ID0187] What is the ruling on Engagements, exchanging rings and other gifts?

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