Nikah and Walima: what’s the difference?
The Nikah is the marriage. The Walima is the meal that celebrates it. Many couples in the UK hold both, sometimes on the same day and sometimes weeks apart.
The Nikah
The Nikah is the marriage contract. It is usually led by an imam, it is often short, and close family usually attend.
The details vary between families and schools of thought, but a Nikah usually includes:
- Both of you freely agreeing to the marriage.
- The offer and acceptance, known as ijab and qabul.
- Two witnesses.
- The mahr, a gift from the groom to the bride that belongs to her.
- In most schools of thought, the consent of the bride’s wali, usually her father.
- Often a short sermon, the khutbah, and a dua for the couple.
It can take place at a mosque, at home or at a venue. Whether it is also your legal marriage depends on where and how it happens. See Is a Nikah legally binding in the UK?
The Walima
The Walima is a meal held to celebrate the marriage and share the news. It is a Sunnah: the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, told a newly married companion to hold a Walima, even if only with one sheep (Sahih al-Bukhari).
Traditionally the groom and his family host the Walima, though families arrange this in different ways. It is usually larger than the Nikah, with wider family, friends and community, and it can be held at a venue, a hall, a restaurant or at home.
Scholars differ on the best time to hold it. In practice, couples hold it on the same day as the Nikah, soon after, or some weeks later.
Side by side
| Compare | Nikah | Walima |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | The marriage contract | A meal celebrating the marriage |
| Who is there | Close family, the imam and witnesses | Wider family, friends and community |
| Where | A mosque, home or venue | A venue, hall, restaurant or home |
| Size | Usually small | Usually larger |
| In Islam | The marriage itself | A Sunnah, strongly encouraged |
Other events you might hear about
Many families hold other events too, such as an engagement or a henna night, depending on their culture. These are customs rather than part of the Nikah or Walima, so you can include as many or as few as suit your families.
Planning both
- Set both dates early. The Walima usually needs the bigger venue, and venues book up.
- Keep one guest list. Some guests will be invited to both events and some to one, so mark who is invited to what.
- Budget for both. The Walima is usually the larger cost, because of the food and the number of guests.
- Check what each vendor covers. A photographer or caterer may quote for one event or for both.
Zawjain plans your Nikah and Walima as one wedding with two events, with one guest list and invitations that show each guest only the events they are invited to.
Questions couples ask
Can the Nikah and Walima be on the same day?
Yes. Some couples hold the Nikah earlier in the day and the Walima that evening. Others leave days or weeks between them.
Do we have to have a Walima?
Most scholars regard the Walima as a Sunnah rather than a condition of the marriage. The Nikah is valid without it, but it is strongly encouraged, even as a simple meal.
Who pays for the Walima?
Traditionally the groom and his family, as the hosts. In practice, families often agree their own arrangement.
Keep the whole plan in one place.
Zawjain puts every step of your wedding in order, helps you find venues and vendors from across the UK, and keeps your guest list and invitations in one app you share with your partner.
Coming soon to iPhone and Android.
Free for couples.