Question:
What is the Shar‘i ruling on the bride’s family hosting and feeding guests during the baraat (wedding procession)?
Answer by:
Shaykh Saeed Mujtaba Saeedi ḥafiẓahullāh
✿ Hadith Reference
Sayyiduna Abu Hurairah رضي الله عنه narrates that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
“مَنْ كَانَ يُؤْمِنُ بِاللَّهِ وَالْيَوْمِ الْآخِرِ فَلْيُكْرِمْ ضَيْفَهُ”
[Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī: 6138]
Translation:
“Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day should honour his guest.”
✿ Clarification
✔ The bride’s family arranging food for the guests during the wedding procession falls under hospitality (ضيافة), which is encouraged in Islam.
✔ Objecting to this practice by saying that there was no concept of baraat during the time of the Prophet ﷺ or claiming that the responsibility of hosting lies solely with the groom’s side is a form of unnecessary rigidity and undue hardship.
✔ Shari‘ah does not prohibit such forms of hospitality.
📌 Important Note: The intention should be sincere, and such practices must be free from wastage, extravagance, or ostentation.
