Template:Short description Template:Transliteration (Template:Langx) is the second of the two parts of an Islamic wedding. It is the wedding reception banquet and is performed after the Template:Transliteration (marriage ceremony). It designates a feast in Arabic. The Template:Transliteration is used as a symbol to show domestic happiness in the household post-marriage, and to announce the marriage openly for recognition of the new couple.<ref>World faiths, Teach yourself - Islam. By Ruqaiyyah Maqsood. Template:ISBN. Page 179/180.</ref> The walima generally takes place in the locale where the newly married couple is to reside. While cultural practices may differ, marriage expenses and costs of the walima are generally borne by the groom or his family. <ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
Debate about the time of walimaEdit
Scholars have different views on what the correct time of Template:Transliteration is. The timing varies by culture and opinion; for example some believe it should take place:
- At the time of the marriage contract,
- After the marriage contract and before the consummation of marriage,
- At the time of the wedding procession (bride leaving for her husband’s house). [Ibn Hajar, Fath al-Bari, 9/287]
However, the majority of the scholars (jumhur) are of the opinion that Template:Transliteration is a meal that is prepared after the marriage has been consummated. This was the practice of the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace), as explicitly mentioned in one narration. <ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Scholars are in agreement that the walima must be organized, hosted, and paid for by the groom's side. <ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Translation notesEdit
Walima in literal translation means "to assemble" and is used to describe an assembly or party celebrating a wedding. Walima is essentially interchangeable with the English terms "wedding reception" and "celebration" (when held to celebrate a marriage). The word Template:Transliteration is generally interchangeable with the various terms in other languages/cultures that essentially mean to assemble for the purposes of celebrating a marriage. While it is an Arabic term, it is not necessarily a term reserved for Muslims per se, as the word simply describes an event that celebrates a new wedding.