corruption and the spread of corruption. Let those who perpetrate such deeds be mindful of Allah and tremble at His punishment. The Exalted says, “How many a town have We destroyed that exulted in its livelihood!”; and He says, “Eat and drink, but do not be wasteful; He does not love the wasteful”; and He says, “Eat and drink of Allah’s provision and do not roam the earth sowing corruption.” Many other verses convey the same warning.

Anyone who is invited to a wedding walīmah is obliged to accept, provided the following conditions are met:

1. It must be the first walīmah. If additional banquets are held for the same wedding, one is not required to attend beyond the first, for the Prophet—peace and blessings be upon him—said, “The walīmah on the first day is a duty, on the second a kindness, and on the third ostentation and showing off,” reported by Abū Dāwūd and others.
   Shaykh Taqī al-Dīn added, “It is forbidden to eat at—or to slaughter more animals than customary for—the later days, even if people are accustomed to it or wish to gladden the family; whoever persists is liable to disciplinary punishment.”

2. The host must be a Muslim.

3. The host must not be among those openly committing sins whose company is to be shunned.