LETTERS: The Movement Control Order (MCO) was carried out for a relatively short time, but it taught us several lessons. For example, we were able to stay home for 14 consecutive days.
Similarly, children realised that their mother could cook a variety of delicious dishes, day in and day out. During Ramadan, the MCO, and later the Conditional MCO, taught us that we could break fast with delicious food, even though Ramadan bazaars were not allowed to operate.
Fathers realised that they're able to become the "imam" to lead prayers, especially terawih and "solat sunat Aidilfitri", for their family at home after being the "makmuum" (congregant) at mosques all these years.
From July 1, with the Recovery MCO (RMCO) kicking in, social events, including wedding receptions, were allowed, but all must observe standard operating procedure (SOP), which include limiting the number of guests to 250 (according to the size of the venue) and not exceeding three hours.
Since then, many couples tied the knot and had simple wedding receptions, observing the SOP. The ceremonies thus far had gone well and brought happiness to all involved.
Indeed, such small receptions remind one of what Prophet Muhammad S.A.W said about "walima", wedding reception in Arabic.
Other than an expression of affection and enjoyment, the purpose of "walima" is to announce the marriage to the public to avoid slander on the couple. Aisha (R.A) narrated that Rasulullah S.A.W said: "Publicise these marriages, conduct them in mosques, and beat the duff (tambourines) to announce them." (Narrated by Tirmidhi.)
On how big the "walima" should be, the following hadith gives some indication. Anas bin Malik R.A narrated that after being told about Abd al-Rahman bin 'Auf's marriage, Rasulullah S.A.W said to him: "May Allah bless you (in your marriage), perform a walima, even if it is only with a goat." (Narrated by Bukhari).
Based on that, some opine that organising "walima" is a highly recommended act ("sunat muakkad").
It's the responsibility of the groom to organise it, but should the bride or her family wish to hold one, they may do so too. The "walima" should be held in moderation. What is the clue in the hadith that says this? It's the phrase "a goat". Because it describes the number of guests to be invited.
In Malaysia, a goat will be cut into small pieces and turned into a mutton curry dish to be served to 50 to 70 guests. In an Arab community, a goat meal is usually served to fewer than 10 men.
Hence, the "walima" encouraged by Rasulullah S.A.W is not a large-scale wedding reception.
Small-scale wedding receptions with not more than 250 guests during the RMCO prove that a modest ceremony can fulfil the goal of "walima". The same event will later be publicised by the brides and grooms, their families and guests through social media platforms.
Indeed, such "walima" saves costs and eases the burden of conducting a much larger affair. Relatives and friends who have not been invited should not feel offended if one were to understand the teachings of Rasulullah S.A.W on "walima".Instead, one should supplicate that Allah S.W.T would give His blessings to the newlyweds.
Furthermore, Islam teaches us that when we supplicate for good to happen to others in their absence, the Angels would say: "May the same be for you, too".
Therefore, be happy for the newlyweds and make a "doa" for them. By Allah's Will, the good that we supplicate for them will come back to us.
Siti Fatimah Abdul Rahman
Senior fellow, Centre for Economy and Social Studies, Institute of Islamic Understanding Malaysia
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times