❀ Ruling on Giving Gifts and Money at Weddings in Islam ❀
Source: Fatāwā Rāshidiyyah, Page 432
Question
On the occasion of a wedding, relatives and friends present gifts to either the bride’s or groom’s family. Is this practice permissible in Sharīʿah? And if someone gives money, is giving or accepting it allowed? Please clarify the complete ruling.
✔ Answer
Alḥamdulillāh, waṣ-ṣalātu was-salāmu ʿalā Rasūlillāh, Ammā Baʿd!
This question relates to the issue of giving hadiyyah (gift). In Sharīʿah, giving gifts is encouraged; therefore, there should be no doubt regarding its permissibility.
◈ Sharʿī Status of Giving Gifts
- Giving gifts is a praiseworthy act, encouraged in the Qur’an and Sunnah.
- The Companions رضي الله عنهم used to present gifts to the Messenger of Allah ﷺ and to one another.
- Therefore, giving gifts at weddings is entirely permissible and commendable in Islam.
◈ Gifts at the Time of Weddings
- There should be no hesitation in giving gifts specifically at weddings.
- The encouragement of giving gifts is general, and includes weddings, ʿaqīqah, birth celebrations, and other happy occasions.
- Guests give gifts or money willingly, without any fixed standard.
- If someone does not give a gift, there is no sin or criticism upon him.
◈ Difference Between Hadiyyah and Walīmah
- Such gifts cannot be excluded from the category of hadiyyah.
- If anyone claims that giving gifts at weddings is not permissible, he must provide evidence that excludes it from the general ruling.
◈ Evidence from Hadith
Imām al-Bukhārī رحمه الله, in Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī (Kitāb al-Nikāḥ), included a chapter titled:
“Bāb al-Hadiyyah lil-ʿArūs” (Chapter: The Gift for the Bride).
Under this, he narrates from Anas رضي الله عنه:
“When the Messenger of Allah ﷺ married Zaynab bint Jaḥsh رضي الله عنها, at the time of the walīmah, Anas’s mother (Umm Sulaym رضي الله عنها) sent a gift with Anas which consisted of food prepared from cheese, ghee, and dates.”
From this, it is clearly established that:
- Giving gifts at the time of a wedding and walīmah is Sunnah.
- Whether the gift is money or food, both are permissible.
- Imām al-Bukhārī رحمه الله established this with a dedicated chapter, proving its Sharʿī legitimacy.
◈ Gifts Given Voluntarily Are Superior
- If a person gives a gift out of his own happiness, it is even better and more virtuous.
- If, however, assistance is requested, it is still permissible.
◈ Example from the Companions رضي الله عنهم
When the Prophet ﷺ married Ṣafiyyah رضي الله عنها:
- For the walīmah, the Prophet ﷺ told the Companions:
“Bring whatever you have.” - Some brought dates, others brought cheese, etc.
- These items were mixed together to prepare ḥays and the walīmah was held.
This proves:
- Friends assisting voluntarily or upon request is permissible.
- There is no prohibition in such practice.
Conclusion
- Gifts or money given by relatives and friends at weddings are permissible, ḥalāl, and even mustaḥabb (recommended).
- This practice is in accordance with the Sunnah of the Messenger ﷺ and the Companions رضي الله عنهم.
- Those who prohibit it have no sound evidence.
Hadhā mā ʿindī, wallāhu aʿlam bis-ṣawāb.
