Distributing roses and fruits while concluding marriage

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Q 8: There are some local customs practiced by the followers of Imam Malik's school of jurisprudence upon engagement or holding the marriage contract, such as distributing flowers and lawful fruits among people. Some tribes used to distribute salt in order to spread the news of this engagement or marriage contract among people. Every one who is given a flower or salt is told about this contract. Al-Hanabilah (the followers of Imam Ahmad's School of Jurisprudence) deem this practice unlawful. They say that the Prophet (peace be upon him) did not do such things. They used to distribute dates only. Moreover, they consider all things related to local customs to be Bid`ah (innovation in religion).

A: Concluding the marriage contract must be according to legal formula which is the offer from the part of the guardian of the woman or his deputy and acceptance from the part of the husband or his deputy. This must be done in the presence of two just witnesses. It is not permissible to distribute fruit or (Part No. 18; Page No. 104) bring flowers. This is because doing so has no basis in Shari`ah (Islamic law). But it will be recommended to prepare wedding banquet at any suitable time. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said to the one who wanted to marry, Give a Walima (wedding banquet) even if with one sheep. May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.