Muslim Festivals and Ceremonies — Page 52
Waleema party. . Waleema Party:. After the consumation of the marriage the bridegroom invites his relatives, friends and other acquaintances as well as the relations of the bride to a wedding feast called Waleema party. Special invitation cards are generally printed for the purpose. Food is also distributed among the poor on such occasions. All present pray for the success and happiness of the couple joined in marriage. . Payment of Dower:. According to Islamic teaching man is responsible for providing the necessities of life for his wife and children. The Holy Quran says: 'Hand over to your women their dowers willingly, but if they, of their own accord, remit to you a part thereof, then enjoy it as a thing agreeable and wholesome. (4:5). The sum of money, property or any other valuable given to the wife as a dower, is hers by right. The payment may be made by mutual agreement over a period of time. The nature of the gifts and the method of payment is specified at the time of NIKAH and is incorporated into the marriage contract. The amount depends upon the means of the bridegroom but should neither be excessive nor meagre. The dower must be paid over to the bride unless she agrees to forego it. 52