What is a Walima? The Islamic Wedding Feast Explained
The walima is the Sunnah feast hosted by the groom's family after the nikah. Learn what it is, when it should be held, and how to plan one in the UK.
Words by PlanMyNikah Team
29 June 2026
3 minute read
Updated 23 September 2026
The walima is the Islamic wedding feast: a celebration hosted by the groom's family after the nikah to announce and rejoice in the marriage. It is a Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and carries significant importance in Islam, beyond simply being a party.
What does walima mean?
Walima (وليمة) comes from the Arabic word for gathering or feast. In Islamic tradition, it specifically refers to the meal hosted to celebrate a marriage. Unlike the barat (which is a cultural tradition), the walima has a clear basis in the Sunnah.
Is the walima obligatory?
The walima is considered a confirmed Sunnah (Sunnah Muakkadah), strongly recommended but not obligatory. The Prophet ﷺ instructed his companions to hold a walima when they married, saying: "Hold a walima feast, even if only with one sheep." (Bukhari & Muslim)
Attending a walima invitation is also considered Sunnah, and declining without a valid reason is discouraged.
Note
Scholars differ on the exact ruling. Many consider it wajib (obligatory); others Sunnah Muakkadah. Consult your imam for the position you follow.
When should a walima be held?
The walima is traditionally held the day after the nikah, though scholars permit it within three days. Some families hold it on the same day as the nikah, or several days later due to practical constraints. The key is that it is held after the nikah.
What happens at a walima?
The walima is, at its core, a meal. In practice, UK Muslim families often celebrate it as a full reception event:
- A banquet or buffet hosted by the groom's family
- Du'a and Quranic recitation, often led by an imam
- Welcoming of the bride into the groom's family
- Family and friends sharing in the joy of the marriage
The scale varies enormously, from an intimate family dinner to a large hall with hundreds of guests.
Tip
The walima does not have to be grand. The Prophet ﷺ described a walima of even one sheep as sufficient. A sincere, modest walima is more in keeping with the Sunnah than an extravagant event that causes financial strain.
Who hosts the walima?
The walima is traditionally hosted and funded by the groom's family. This distinguishes it from the barat, which is hosted by the bride's family.
What is the difference between a walima and a barat?
| Barat | Walima | |
|---|---|---|
| Hosted by | Bride's family | Groom's family |
| Purpose | Reception for groom's party; rukhsati | Islamic feast to celebrate the marriage |
| Religious basis | Cultural tradition | Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ |
| Timing | Day of nikah or barat ceremony | Day after nikah (up to three days) |
How to plan a walima in the UK
A walima can be as simple as a home dinner or as large as a full venue reception. Most UK families hold it as a daytime or evening event at a hired hall or restaurant.
For a step-by-step plan covering guests, venue checks and final confirmations, use our UK walima planning checklist.
Walima planning checklist
- Decide the scale: home gathering, restaurant or hired venue
- Confirm halal catering: the food is the heart of the walima
- Invite family and friends from both sides
- Arrange for du'a or recitation to open the event
- Confirm the date (typically the day after the nikah)
Browse halal caterers and venues for the walima on PlanMyNikah, and track the costs alongside your other events in the Budget Planner.
Still separating the ceremony from the celebration? Read the side-by-side guide to nikah vs walima.
The practical edit
Frequently asked questions
Does the walima have to be a large event?
No. The Prophet ﷺ indicated that even a modest meal with a single sheep is sufficient. What matters is the intention and the invitation of family and friends to share in the joy.
Can the walima be held on the same day as the nikah?
Most scholars permit this if holding it the following day is not practical, though the preferred time is the day after the nikah.
Who should be invited to the walima?
The walima should include Muslims and guests who would benefit from attending: family, friends and neighbours. It should not be restricted only to the wealthy.
Is it permissible to decline a walima invitation?
Declining without a valid reason is discouraged in Islam. If you are invited to a walima, you should attend or, if you cannot, let the host know respectfully.
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