What is the ruling on the obligation of preparing the Walimah (wedding feast)?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of the Wedding Feast
Primary text
The preparation of the Walimah upon marriage is a confirmed Sunnah (recommended practice) according to the consensus of the scholars. This is established because the Prophet, peace be upon him, commanded it and performed it. He instructed Abd al-Rahman ibn Awf to perform it, even if it were only with a sheep. The Prophet's feast for Zaynab was extensive, involving inviting people until they were satiated with bread and meat. It is recommended to use a sheep if one is able, based on the Prophet's instruction to Abd al-Rahman. Other provisions, such as *Hays* (a mixture of dates, clarified butter, and flour) or two *Mudd* of barley, are permissible, as the Prophet utilized these for other wives.
Supporting text
A minority view among some Shafi'i scholars holds that the Walimah is obligatory (Wajib) because the Prophet commanded it to Abd al-Rahman ibn Awf, and because accepting the invitation is obligatory, therefore the provision must also be obligatory. This is refuted because the Walimah is food for a newly occurring joy, similar to other feasts, and the command is understood as recommendation, especially since there is consensus that providing just a sheep is not obligatory.