What is the precise linguistic meaning of 'Walimah' (wedding feast)?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of the Wedding Feast
Primary text
The term 'Walimah' specifically denotes the food prepared for a marriage ceremony and is not applied to other meals. This definition is affirmed by Ibn Abd al-Barr citing Thaalab and other linguists. The authority of the linguists in defining lexical meanings is superior due to their expertise in the Arabic language.
Supporting text
Some jurists, including scholars from our own school and others, assert that 'Walimah' applies to any food prepared for a newly occurring joy, although its common usage is reserved for wedding feasts. However, the linguistic definition prevails.