Five Things You Need to Know About the Muslim Dating Scene

Just like with every other dating scene, the goal for the vast majority of those active in the Muslim dating scene is to connect with a special person and – hopefully – find love. There are likely to be, however, some ‘rules’ and traditions that are a little different when it comes to a Muslim woman or man’s quest to find their perfect match.

While there are thought to be around 1.8 billion people that follow the Islamic faith around the world, finding someone of the same faith for Muslims living in the US can be difficult and made even more tricky by the country’s largely less-traditional views on intermarriage.

If you’re new to the Muslim dating scene or are someone not of the Islamic faith, who has met a special someone who is, then here are the five key things you need to know.

Avoid Public PDAs

It’s traditional, in Islamic culture, not to pack on the PDAs (public displays of affection) – this relates to concepts of modesty and purity and is very important, especially among Elders. It’s important to remember, however, that while some Muslims dating will follow tradition strictly, which could mean that they’ll have a chaperone accompany them on dates, others will approach it in a more typically ‘western’ sense. Each person should be treated as entirely individual, and nothing should be assumed or taken for granted about their faith or the traditions they’re likely to follow.

In general, though, any physical displays of intimacy are saved until marriage. Body language, humor, and similar subtle means, however, can be used to effectively convey a growing sense of affection.

Halal Dating

In recent years there’s been a huge rise in Halal dating sites – Halal means something that is permitted under Islamic law. These sites have proved to be a successful and effective way for Muslim singles to meet and explore compatibility whilst still respecting some of the fundamental traditions of their faith.

A Halal Muslim dating app could feature, for example, the presence of chaperones whose role is to oversee the conversations and interactions that take place on the site. These figures are known as Walis: traditional guardians assigned to protect women. The Wali will need to give her permission for a couple that has met on the platform to have a date in real life. On such sites, other features and tools are often incorporated to keep modesty and integrity at the forefront of the online dating experience.

Hala dating apps are largely regarded as a meshing of the Muslim and ‘western’ dating worlds, which allow Muslim singles to date without committing to marriage but, instead, to determine compatibility.

What a Halal Date Looks Like

For Muslim singles who’ve connected on a dating site and agreed to meet for a date, this may be, in many ways, just like a typical ‘western’ date, with a few key differences. The meeting will be arranged with care to ensure it happens in a safe, public place, and both parties will usually dress modestly and appropriately. 

As well as PDAs, flirting is generally frowned on, and it’s normal practice for a family member to come along on the date, too, to help evaluate their son or daughter’s potential match.

On a Halal dating site, there’s an emphasis on the matched couple developing a deep spiritual bond and mutual respect, with the view being to a union that will lead to marriage.

Marriage Material

For most Muslims, dating is a serious endeavor that is all about testing compatibility for marriage. This is one of the most fundamental things to be aware of regarding the Muslim dating scene; while a great first date needn’t point to an imminent engagement, for the majority of Muslims, the process is about, ultimately, finding a life partner with whom to start a family.

Many of the dating sites and apps are designed for Muslim singles and, as such, adhere to the Islamic rules on courtship and are only for those looking for serious relationships. 

Interfaith Relationships

Establishing an interfaith relationship may have its challenges, but it is certainly achievable and can be profoundly rewarding. There are a few important things to be aware of, however: for example, Muslims who closely follow Islamic traditions are not permitted to have a physical relationship before marriage – indeed, tradition dictates that a man and woman may not be alone together at all until they are married.

A willingness to learn about and a commitment to respecting each other’s culture and faith is the best path to tread if you’re considering or have embarked upon an interfaith relationship.

Just as with the ‘western’ dating scene, the Muslim dating scene is vibrant and constantly evolving. The rise of Halal dating apps has been important in allowing Islamic singles to make connections and meet with those of the same faith, which may be difficult otherwise. The fusion of traditional values with modes of ‘western’ dating and tech has already resulted in the blossoming of many relationships – and this number is only set to increase.