Answered by: Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah

Question

Is it compulsory in Islam that a husband-wife should have intercourse on the night of the wedding or the night of walima? If not done proper intercourse and slept together is it a sin?

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

Answer

It is not obligatory for a man to have intercourse with his wife on the first night. As it is a delicate issue it can be delayed until the husband and wife are comfortable and at ease with each other. (Islamic Etiquettes of Sexual Relations p.116)

The majority of the scholars are of the opinion that the Walima should be done after the marriage has been consummated. (Bazlul Majhood p.32 v.2 & Faidhul Bari p.300 v.4)

However, if the marriage cannot be consummated for one reason or the other and the Walima is performed after the marriage contract then the reward of Walima will Insha Allah be fulfilled. (Fatawa Uthmaani p.303 v.2 & Fatawa Darul Uloom Deoband p.167 v.7).  

Only Allah Knows Best

Written by Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah

Darul Ifta Birmingham