SUNNATS OF NIKAH, WALIMAH

SUNNATS OF NIKAH

1. A Sunnat Nikah is that which is simple, wherein there are no formalities, nor are there any disputes pertaining to the dowry etc. (Mishkaat)

2. It is Sunnat to seek a pious and righteous person for marriage and to send a proposal to such a person. (Mishkaat‐Vol.2, pg.267‐narrated from Abu Hurairah)

3. To have the Nikah on Friday in a Masjid and to have Nikah in the month of Shawwaal is Sunnat and preferable. (Mirqaat‐ Vol.6 pg.210 and 217)

4. To announce the Nikah. (Miskaat‐ Vol.2, pg.272)

5. It is also Sunnat to fix the amount of Mehr (dowry) according to one’s means. (Miskaat‐ Vol.2, pg.272)

6. On the first night when one is in seclusion with one’s wife, one should take hold of the forehead and recite this dua:

Allahumma inni asaluka khairaha wakaira ma jabaltaha alaihi waouzubika min sharriha washarri ma jabaltaha alaih - (Abu Dawood, Ibne Majah)

O Allah, I ask you for the good that is in her and the benefits of her good habits and character. I seek your protection from the harms of her evil habits and character.

7. When intending to copulate with one’s wife, recite this dua: If he has children then shaytaan will not be able to overpower them and will not be able to harm them.

Bismillah – Allahumma jinnib nash shaitana wajannibish shaitana ma razaqtana - (Bukhari‐ Vol.2, pg. 776, Abu Dawood, Ibne Majah)

I commence this act in the name of Allah. O Allah, protect us from Shaytaan and keep shaytaan away from that child that you will grant us. The child that will be born after this dua has been recited will be safeguarded from the harm of shaytaan.

 

WALIMAH

1. After the first night, to invite one’s friends, relatives, family and the poor for the Walimah is Sunnat. It is not necessary to prepare a great amount of food. A little food prepared according to one’s means and feed a few relatives or friends will suffice in fulfilling the Sunnat. The worst Walimah is that Walimah where only the rich and the irreligious are invited and the poor, destitute and the pious are left out. One should avoid attending such Walimah. (Bukhari‐ Vol.2, pg. 778)

When hosting a Walimah make the intention of fulfilling the Sunnat. Invite the poor, destitute and the pious. One may invite from the rich whomsoever one wishes while ensuring that the poor are not left out. There is no reward for that Walimah which is hosted for show or to impress people. Instead, it is feared that such a Walimah will invite the wrath and displeasure of Allah Ta’ala.