Extravagance at Wedding Celebrations

Question: At some of our weddings, certain guests mark the occasion by firing live ammunition, launching fireworks, and the like—acts that squander money on things for which the Sacred Law provides no sanction. Is such behavior permissible? What advice can you offer to those who go to extremes of extravagance and waste at weddings?

Answer: There is no doubt that this conduct is blameworthy, and extravagance at celebrations is not permissible. Overstated displays of joy—such as shooting guns and similar practices—constitute excess and waste, in addition to the danger they pose, for discharging firearms and handling weapons may well injure others.

A wedding celebration and the joy that accompanies it must remain within lawful and reasonable bounds, free of extravagance and waste. Our counsel to our brothers and sisters is that, on such occasions, they exercise sound judgment, hold gatherings devoid of excess and waste, remain mindful of the remembrance of Allah, and avoid every prohibited or reprehensible matter. All of that is impermissible. Muslims are forbidden from excessive merrymaking and from squandering wealth without benefit. Whatever exceeds its proper limit inevitably turns into its opposite. Allah knows best.

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Some Objectionable Practices at Wedding Parties

Question: I am a young man who, praise be to Allah, is committed to my religion. I have decided to marry a certain woman, but at the time of the engagement her family held a large party and brought in musical bands