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
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."
✔ 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.
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.
