The earnestness with which Muslim parents, especially the poor ones, celebrate the Walimatul Qur’an often without due consideration for its economic implications, has raised significant concerns among scholars.
Divergent opinions prevail among Muslim scholars regarding the necessity of the Walimatul Qur’an ceremony, which signifies the graduation marking the completion of the Holy Qur’an.
Some scholars contend that the ceremony is crucial for a student’s academic success and proficiency in acquiring Arabic knowledge, while others view it as unnecessary.
This divergence necessitates a thoughtful exploration of the matter to provide clarity and enlightenment for Nigerian Muslims and whether there is a justification for the celebration in the holy Qur’an
Responses:
A Muslim brother and academic administrator for Tha IONIZED Scholars, Ismail Olabode Agbeyinka, provided insights on the celebration of Walimatul Qur’an, emphasising it as a symbolic acknowledgment of a child’s Quranic achievements post-rigorous learning.
Highlighting the absence of explicit support or opposition in Quranic texts, he views it as a harmless innovation, cautioning against undue importance.
Addressing concerns about forgoing the celebration, he dismisses significant implications, attributing any perceived impact to potential psychological effects on the child feeling left out.
“Well, I see the celebration of Walimatul Qur’an as a mere acknowledgement of the child’s ability to read the Qur’an after undergoing the ‘rigorous’ stages of its learning.
“There’s no content of the Qur’an or Hadith that supports (or goes against) it. It’s an innovation that’s harmless until it’s made to become otherwise.
“There’s nothing true about such futuristic impediments. In fact, we’ve had parents who, for one reason or another, deliberately declined the request to celebrate the Walimatul Qur’an for their kids, and nothing happened to the kids then or later.
“There are no implications whatsoever if one forgoes the celebration. The only perceived implication will be some psychological effect on the kid, and that’s the child feeling bad to see himself left out while his peers get celebrated. There’s nothing physical or spiritual that’s gonna happen if forgone.
“Well, considering the FACT that 98% of Arabic teachers in these madrasahs are barely appreciated financially or even paid at all, they deliberately see this channel as an avenue for them to cough something out of the parents. I personally do not totally disagree with them on this; the reason being that they also have financial obligations and they didn’t force anyone to put down their monies. On the other hand, alternatives to this could be that specific tuition fees may be charged for the classes…although many parents would run away because of such stipends or tuitions. Specific charges for the celebration can also be done. Seeking sponsors among parents, companies, philanthropists, and others can also be employed.
“My advice to parents regarding this celebration is that whoever feels they want to celebrate it should do so. And whoever does not see any necessity in it should ignore but not condemn those who do. Also, they should endeavor not to be wasteful or ostentatious in the course of their celebration as this is highly condemned by Allah. In addition, going to the extent of borrowing loans and running into debts just because they want to celebrate Walimatul Qur’an is highly condemned.
“As much as there ‘may be’ rewards therein, there are also high chances of attracting Allah’s wrath in the process if moderation is exceeded.”
Aminat Adebayo, a student at Osun State University, expressed:
“This matter is indeed a widespread concern among Muslim scholars. Firstly, it is permissible with certain conditions (based on how the celebration is conducted here in the West, thus conditioned).
On whether her completion of the holy Qur’an was celebrated in by her parents, she said, “They attempted to, but other parents did not respond.”
Aminat addressed the inquiry regarding whether abstaining from the graduation ceremony might hinder a child’s long-term success.
She responded, “No, certainly not. It has nothing to do with that. If the parents can afford such a ceremony, it is commendable—a form of worship involving providing people with food and water, a type of sadaqah. We should revert to the essence of the celebration. Walimah, in itself, is an act of bringing people together to express gratitude to Allah. Gaskiya.”
She advised that “If the parents can afford the celebration, then there is no problem. However, if otherwise, they may choose to keep it private. Since the walimah signifies nothing but an announcement, eating, and drinking, there is no issue if it’s not conducted.”
In his response, Imam Yusuf Bunyameen stated, “The celebration of Walimat Quran is not obligatory, as a student can obtain a certificate from the teacher without the celebration.”
Justifying this perspective, he referenced Umar’s completion of the Quran, stating, “Umar organized a Walimat, but it doesn’t constitute a compulsory religious rite.”
He further emphasised, “Many have held Walimat, yet it seems they have not gained substantial knowledge.”
Magisterially asserting, he stated, “There are no implications for avoiding the celebration.”
Addressing teachers, he suggested, “Teachers can receive substantial compensation both during and after teaching.”
Advising, he remarked, “Parents should honour their children’s teachers by fulfilling their financial obligations and supporting their children’s learning. Obtaining the certificate aligns with the purpose of learning the Qur’an, not unnecessary celebrations, as adherence to religious commandments is the primary objective.”
Expressing as a parent, a trader based in Abuja shared an experience wherein he felt obligated to journey back home to commemorate Walimatul Qur’an.
“I was misled by my parents, attributing the sluggishness in my business to a perceived failure in conducting the Walimat. Trusting this deception, I traveled home with my family,” he recounted.
Continuing, he expressed, “It is disheartening that despite the considerable expenditure on the celebration, there has been no noticeable improvement. It is particularly saddening that my mother is not here to witness this situation.”
