What is the ruling on holding a feast upon purchasing a new house? My neighbor purchased a new house and threw a celebratory meal, inviting all the neighbors to join in the occasion.

It is permissible to hold a walima (celebratory feast) on the occasion of purchasing a new house, as it falls under the general recommendation of feeding others, which is encouraged in Islamic law.

The meaning of walimah

The term walima is derived from ‘al-walm,’ meaning gathering. It is commonly used without restriction for a wedding feast, though it may also be used with qualifiers for other contexts. Additionally, it can refer to any food prepared in celebration of a joyous occasion. A walima may involve the slaughter of an animal or the preparation of other types of food, although it is preferable to include meat whenever possible.

Anas ibn Malik (may Allah be pleased with him) said, “The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) stayed between Khaybar and Medina for three nights when he consummated his marriage to Safiya. I invited the Muslims to his [marriage] walima. Since it did not include bread or meat, he instructed Bilal to lay out leather mats, upon which he served dates, dried yogurt, and clarified butter” (recorded by Bukhari). Al-Mulla ʿAli al-Qari noted in Mirqat al-Mafatiḥ (5:2105), “This shows that [the Prophet’s walima] did not include extravagant food, but simple dishes like dates, dried yogurt, and ghee — the sort of food that people who live modestly would eat.”

The ruling on holding a celebratory feast upon purchasing a new house

Celebratory feasts are held for various occasions, including upon purchasing a new house, known as al-wakira. Al-tawkir refers to inviting others to a celebratory meal prepared upon completing the construction of one’s house, as stated in Jamhara al-Lughah by Ibn Durayd. Jurists have stated that the wakira is held upon purchasing or completing the construction of a new house.

The ruling

Based on the above, what the questioner’s neighbor did—holding a celebratory feast upon acquiring a new house—is permissible in Islamic law. It falls under the established Shariʿah principle of feeding others, a Sunnah that is encouraged and rewarded in Islamic law. However, the feast should avoid extravagance and waste, and should not include any unlawful food, drink, or prohibited forms of entertainment. The invitation should not favor the wealthy over the poor, thus fulfilling the ideals of benevolence and consideration of others.

And Allah Almighty knows best.