Shari‘ah Ruling on Decorative Lighting at Weddings
Answered by: Shaykh ʿAbd al-Wakeel Nasir (ḥafiẓahullāh)
Is it permissible in Islam to install decorative lighting at home during wedding celebrations? Is there any explicit evidence (naṣṣ) on this matter?
◈ Not every contemporary issue is directly addressed by explicit texts from the Qur'an or Sunnah.
◈ In such cases, rulings are derived based on general principles, the understanding of the Salaf, the established practice of the Ummah, and juristic principles.
◈ Therefore, no direct textual evidence exists specifically concerning decorative lighting.
◈ Lighting is a modern invention, and is not part of the religious rituals of Islam.
◈ Installing lighting during weddings is an additional custom, not an essential or inherently praiseworthy act.
◈ However, it has now become part of societal norms (ʿurf).
◈ The Shari‘ah gives due consideration to local customs, provided that:
– It is not borrowed from non-Muslim religious practices.
– It does not contradict any Islamic teachings.
◈ The fuqahā’ have recognized ʿurf (custom) as a valid source for rulings, provided it does not oppose clear textual proofs or the foundational principles of Islam.
◈ Since there is no explicit prohibition or condemnation of lighting in wedding contexts, it may be regarded as permissible.
◈ Just as customary attire for the bride and groom or serving various types of food at weddings is accepted, similarly decorative lighting has become part of wedding customs.
◈ Therefore, it falls under permissible acts (mubāḥ).
◈ Though avoiding it may be better, there is no sin or strict objection in practicing it.
◈ Extravagance in lighting must be strictly avoided.
◈ In many cultures, lighting continues for days before and after the wedding, which enters the category of isrāf, explicitly condemned in Shari‘ah.
Conclusion:
Decorative lighting at weddings is not inherently prohibited, and falls under permissible customs, provided that:
– It does not involve imitation of non-Islamic rituals,
– It is free from extravagance,
– And it is in line with Islamic values.
Hence, it may be allowed as a customary act, but moderation must be maintained.
وَاللّٰهُ أَعْلَمُ
Answered by: Shaykh ʿAbd al-Wakeel Nasir (ḥafiẓahullāh)❖ Question
Is it permissible in Islam to install decorative lighting at home during wedding celebrations? Is there any explicit evidence (naṣṣ) on this matter?
❖ Absence of Direct Textual Evidence
◈ Not every contemporary issue is directly addressed by explicit texts from the Qur'an or Sunnah.
◈ In such cases, rulings are derived based on general principles, the understanding of the Salaf, the established practice of the Ummah, and juristic principles.
❖ Shari‘ah Perspective on Wedding Lighting
① Lighting Did Not Exist in the Time of the Prophet ﷺ
◈ Therefore, no direct textual evidence exists specifically concerning decorative lighting.
◈ Lighting is a modern invention, and is not part of the religious rituals of Islam.
② Lighting as Part of Wedding Celebrations
◈ Installing lighting during weddings is an additional custom, not an essential or inherently praiseworthy act.
◈ However, it has now become part of societal norms (ʿurf).
◈ The Shari‘ah gives due consideration to local customs, provided that:
– It is not borrowed from non-Muslim religious practices.
– It does not contradict any Islamic teachings.
❖ Position of the Jurists on ‘Urf (Custom)
◈ The fuqahā’ have recognized ʿurf (custom) as a valid source for rulings, provided it does not oppose clear textual proofs or the foundational principles of Islam.
◈ Since there is no explicit prohibition or condemnation of lighting in wedding contexts, it may be regarded as permissible.
❖ The Legal Status of Lighting Based on Custom
◈ Just as customary attire for the bride and groom or serving various types of food at weddings is accepted, similarly decorative lighting has become part of wedding customs.
◈ Therefore, it falls under permissible acts (mubāḥ).
◈ Though avoiding it may be better, there is no sin or strict objection in practicing it.
❖ Avoiding Extravagance (Isrāf)
◈ Extravagance in lighting must be strictly avoided.
◈ In many cultures, lighting continues for days before and after the wedding, which enters the category of isrāf, explicitly condemned in Shari‘ah.
Conclusion:
Decorative lighting at weddings is not inherently prohibited, and falls under permissible customs, provided that:
– It does not involve imitation of non-Islamic rituals,
– It is free from extravagance,
– And it is in line with Islamic values.
Hence, it may be allowed as a customary act, but moderation must be maintained.
وَاللّٰهُ أَعْلَمُ
