Joint Functions

Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam and Sahabah Radiallahu Anhum used the term/word ‘Walimah’ specifically in referring to the meal hosted by the groom after his marriage.

For example, Hazrat Anas Radiallahu Anhu says,

“Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam [being the groom] did not host a Walimah for any of his wives as big as he had hosted when he got married to Hazrat Zainab bint Jahsh Radiallahu Anhum.”

Similarly, when Hazrat Abdullah ibn Awf Radiallahu Anhu got married, Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam instructed him [being the groom] to host a Walimah.

Taking into consideration the concept of Walimah as understood from the above Ahaadeeth, it is clear that the proper Sunnah way is not to have a ‘joint – Walimah’ (joint meaning both the parties contribute), but rather it should be a meal that is hosted by one party, i.e. the groom. 

If both parties do contribute to a meal, this does not fall under the concept of a true Sunnah Walimah. Thus, if one wishes to uphold the Sunnah of Walimah the meal should be hosted solely from the groom’s side, within his means.