Walima (Reception)
The word walima is obtained from the word alwalam, which means, gather or assemble. Walima is the important tradition of Islamic wedding, it is wedding feast organized by the Groom’s side. Walima is celebrated right after the Nikah. Since, it is the Sunnah of our prophet; it is good to celebrate this occasion in the best manner. Walima is performed by the groom’s side where they invite their near and dear one's, including the bride's family and relatives. In order to share their happiness of new journey in a blessed way.
Right time to conduct a walima.
There are no certain obligations for conducting Walima on specific time or date, but it is good to perform it as early as possible after nikah.
Is it obligatory to perform walima?
Since walima is Sunnah not fard, if anyone does not perform it for any reason it is not considered as sin. Whereas if, one intends to offer Walima with good intention, it is like following the Sunnah of our Prophet he will be rewarded for that by the Almighty.
The Messenger of Allah (S.W.T) said,
‘’The worst food is that of a wedding banquet (Walima) to which only the rich are invited whilst the poor are not invited.”
-Bukhari, #4882
A wedding feast should be arranged in a way that it should not be wasted.
“Eat and drink, but waste not by excess” (Qur’an, 7:31)
As with the above verse and hadith it is clear that how a walima should be performed in a blessed way.