Is responding to an invitation obligatory?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of the Wedding Feast
Primary text
Responding to an invitation is obligatory because it is commanded, and there is a threat of consequence for abandoning it. However, the act of eating at the gathering is not obligatory, whether the responder is fasting or not fasting. Ahmad explicitly stated this ruling. If the invitee is observing a mandatory fast, they must attend the gathering but must not break their fast, as breaking a mandatory fast is impermissible. Abu Hurairah narrated that the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, said: 'If one of you is invited, he should respond. If he is fasting, he should supplicate, and if he is not fasting, he should eat.' Abu Dawud narrated this hadith, and in one narration, the instruction to 'supplicate' is rendered as 'pray.' Ibn Umar was invited to a banquet, attended, said 'Bismillah,' withdrew his hand, and said, 'Eat, for I am fasting.'
Supporting text
If the fast is a voluntary one, it is recommended for the fasting person to eat, as they have the option to discontinue the voluntary fast. Since eating fulfills the invitation, honors the Muslim brother, and brings him joy, it is preferable. A narration states that the Prophet, peace be upon him, once addressed a man who secluded himself during an invitation by saying, 'Your brother invited you and went to trouble for you; eat, and if you wish, fast a day in its place.' However, it is permissible for the fasting person to complete the fast, based on the preceding narration, but they should supplicate for the host and excuse themselves, informing them of their fast to remove suspicion for not eating.