Consummation of the Nikah before or after the Walimah

Q. When should one have a Walimah? Before the consummation or after the consummation of the marriage? Also, how does one consummate a marriage?

A. The Walimahs of Rasoolullah Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam were immediately after the consummation of marriage. If one wishes to have a Walima after the Nikah and before the consummation that too will be valid.

The consummation of a marriage (Khalwah-e-Saheehah) refers to there being no barrier between the husband and wife that will prevent them from having conjugal  relations after the performance of a Nikah.

This could be achieved by husband and wife having conjugal relations or by both of them being in such a seclusion that there is no barrier preventing them from having conjugal relations after the performance of a Nikah.

Allah Ta’ala Knows Best

Mufti Ismaeel Bassa

themufti.com