❖ Attending Wedding Functions and Rulings on Consuming the Food ❖
Answer by: Fadhīlat al-Shaykh ʿAbd al-Wakīl Nāṣir حفظه الله
❖ Question:
If someone sends us wedding food, but we are unsure whether their function includes drums, music, or un-Islamic activities — is it permissible to eat such food?
Also, if we attend such a function and give money as a customary gift (salāmi), will that be considered payment for the food?
We are concerned about family ties being affected if we don’t attend.
❖ Answer:
✿ 1. Presence of Un-Islamic Practices in Weddings:
✔ It is true that many wedding events today include music, drums, and other non-Sharʿī activities, which go against Islamic teachings.
❌ However, severing family ties (قطع رحمی) is not permissible under any condition.
✅ Therefore, if you choose not to attend, it is best to politely excuse yourself, making it clear in a loving and respectful manner that:
“This is a personal matter, and we prefer not to participate in such arrangements.”
✿ 2. Practising Taqwā (God-Consciousness):
✔ If you must attend due to family pressure, you may consider briefly attending the function, showing respect without actively participating in un-Islamic aspects.
✔ Inform the host clearly yet respectfully that you do not endorse non-Sharʿī practices.
✿ 3. Ruling on Consuming the Food:
✔ A general ruling of ḥarām (impermissible) cannot be applied to wedding food, as it is usually prepared and served by Muslims and is not inherently sinful.
✔ If the food is sent to your home, and you did not attend the event, then eating it is allowed, provided the food itself is ḥalāl.
➤ Refraining from eating in such cases may be considered an act of piety (تقویٰ) but is not obligatory.
✿ 4. Giving Money as “Salāmi” or Gifts:
✔ Giving money as a gift (سلامی) in such gatherings is a cultural practice, not a Sharʿī transaction.
❌ It is incorrect to view it as a form of payment for the food.
✔ Holding the intention that the money is to “make the food ḥalāl” is a misconception and must be avoided.
✖ This could lead to misrepresentation and mistrust between family members.
❖ Summary:
◈ It is preferable to avoid such gatherings with un-Islamic elements, without severing family ties.
◈ Do not declare the food ḥarām; exercising personal caution is a sign of taqwā.
◈ Do not consider monetary gifts as payment for food; this invalidates the spirit of gifting and can lead to misunderstanding.
