What is the ruling on accepting an invitation to a wedding banquet on subsequent days?

General Chapter

Al-Mughni

Book of the Wedding Feast

Book 37 · Issue 2 · Bab 1

Open in Qurani

Primary text

Accepting an invitation to the wedding banquet is obligatory on the first day. On the second day, accepting the invitation is recommended (Mustahabb). On the third day, accepting is not recommended. This is the position affirmed by Ahmad, stating the first day is obligatory, the second is at one's discretion, and the third is not required. This aligns with the madhhab of Al-Shafi'i. The legal basis is the Prophet's statement: "The Walima on the first day is a right, the second is kindness (Ma'ruf), and the third is showing off (Riya' wa Sum'a)" (Reported by Abu Dawud, Ibn Majah, and others). Sa'id ibn al-Musayyab also held this view.

Supporting text

Sa'id ibn al-Musayyab demonstrated this principle by accepting two invitations to a banquet, but upon being invited a third time, he struck the messenger.