Spending on weddings
27-6-2004 | IslamWeb
Question:
In my country many people try to imitate others in many things. One of the things is marriage. Some people borrow money on interest to pay for marriage expenses, such as food, music, etc.
Could you please with evidence from the Quran and Sunnah tell us how should be spent on a MUSLIM Wedding?!!
Answer:
Praise be to Allah, the Lord of the Worlds; and may His blessings and peace be upon our Prophet Muhammad and upon all his Family and Companions.
It is not permissible to get a loan with usury and/or interest. Allah threatened those who deal with usury and interest. Allah says: "Allah will destroy Ribâ (usury) and will give increase for Sadaqat (deeds of charity, alms, etc.) And Allâh likes not the disbelievers, sinners. (Al-Baqarah 2:276)
It is reported in Sahih Muslim that Jabir, may Allah be pleased with him, said: "The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam) cursed the one who consumes Riba (interest), the one who gives it, the one who writes it down, and the one who witness it. And he (Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam) said that they are equal in sin."
Especially if this loan is to be spent on what is not permissible, such as music. Much mischief takes place during these ceremonies, as those who organize them do not fear Allah.
The festivals and ceremonies of Muslims should be free of:
1. The use of musical instruments; the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam) said: "A time will come where people from my Ummah will make adultery/ fornication, silk, wine (alcohol), and musical instruments lawful."
2. Sculpturing, portrait-making and photograph taking; the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam) said: "The sculptors, portrait makers and the photographers will be severely punished on the Day of Judgement." Bukhari and Muslim.
3. The mixing of men and women; the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam) said: "Be careful not to mix with women." Reported by Bukhari and Muslim.
4. Being extravagant on this occasion; Allah says: "Spend not wastefully (your wealth) in the manner of a spendthrift. Verily, spendthrifts are brothers of the Shayatîn (devils), and the Shaitân (Devil Satan) is ever ungrateful to his Lord. (Al-Isra 17:26-27)
If a person is invited to attend a walimah (the marriage banquet) it is obligatory on him to respond the call if there is no objectionable or forbidden matters taking place.
The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam) said: "The worst of the food is of the walimah, the rich are called to it and the poor are not, and whoever does not answer the call he has indeed disobeyed Allah and his Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam). Reported by Bukhari and Muslim.
However, only pious people should be invited to the walimah, as the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam) said: "Do not keep company except with a Mu'min, and only pious people should eat your food." Reported by Abu Dawud and Thirmidhi, and Sheikh Al Albany classified it as a sound Hadith.
Allah knows best.