Is accepting an invitation to a circumcision feast (Khitan) or similar gatherings obligatory?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of the Wedding Feast
Primary text
Accepting invitations to circumcision feasts or other general invitations, excluding wedding banquets (Waliimah), is considered recommended (mustahabb), not obligatory. This ruling is based on the practice of the early Muslims, such as Uthman ibn Abi Al-'As, who refused such invitations because they were not customary during the time of the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him). This view is held by Malik, Al-Shafi'i, and Abu Hanifa and his companions, as the recommendation stems from the act of feeding others and honoring the host.
Supporting text
Al-'Anbari held that accepting every invitation is obligatory due to the general command to do so, citing the Hadith from Ibn Umar: "If one of you invites his brother, let him accept, whether it is a wedding or otherwise." However, the sound Sunnah is specifically related to accepting the invitation to the *Waliimah* (wedding feast), as linguists confirm the term specifically refers to wedding food.