❖ Attending Wedding Functions and Rulings on Consuming the Food ❖
Answer by: Fadhīlat al-Shaykh ʿAbd al-Wakīl Nāṣir حفظه الله
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.
✔ 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.”
✔ 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.
✔ 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.
✔ 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.
◈ 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.
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.
