Fatwa No : 29029
Is it permissible for Ulama to attend marriage ceremonies?

Is it permissible for Ulama to attend marriage ceremonies?

What is the ruling on Ulama and practicing Muslims attending marriage ceremonies and other such programs that consists of activities such as Baraat, music, dancing, photography, people standing while partaking in food, fireworks etc.? They justify their action by saying that even in such situations, they do not stand while eating, and that they are only attending to deliver the marriage sermon, and it is not good to deliver the marriage sermon and refuse their food. They also say that it is not good to sever ties, and point fingers to each other, saying, “So and so Imam is attending. Are they not aware of this as well?” Please guide me regarding this.

الجوابُ حامِدا ًو مُصلیِّا ً

With regards to marriage ceremonies or any such programs, if one knows beforehand that there will be music, dancing and other illegitimate activities, then it would not be permissible for him to attend. However, if one comes to know of these activities only after being present at the program, then it would be permissible for him to stay and partake in the food if the eating area is separate from where the music and dancing is taking place. However, this ruling is specifically for the general mass. It is not permissible for influential people, such as the Ulama, to attend such programs even in such a scenario (i.e. where the eating and partying areas are separate). However, if such influential people can stop these activities from taking place, then there would be no problem in them attending such programs.