9 episodes

Getting married is tough for the vast majority of Muslims in the West. We know because we’ve been there. My (Zaid) journey spanned nearly nine years. It was filled with rejections, self-doubt, and despair. While I (Hiba) didn't know there was a journey to be on in the first place. After we got married we decided to create something different to help single Muslims complete their deen. And so Halal Match was born. 
After a few years of interviewing singles, a friend suggested we journal our stories. We tweaked that idea and turned it into a podcast. In ‘Diary of a Matchmaker’ we’ll take you through this unfamiliar world. We’ll share our stories, experiences, and much more.  So say Bismillah and tune in. 

Diary of a Matchmaker Halal Match

    • Society & Culture

Getting married is tough for the vast majority of Muslims in the West. We know because we’ve been there. My (Zaid) journey spanned nearly nine years. It was filled with rejections, self-doubt, and despair. While I (Hiba) didn't know there was a journey to be on in the first place. After we got married we decided to create something different to help single Muslims complete their deen. And so Halal Match was born. 
After a few years of interviewing singles, a friend suggested we journal our stories. We tweaked that idea and turned it into a podcast. In ‘Diary of a Matchmaker’ we’ll take you through this unfamiliar world. We’ll share our stories, experiences, and much more.  So say Bismillah and tune in. 

    Should Parents be Involved?

    Should Parents be Involved?

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    Navigating the complex waters of matchmaking can be a daunting task, especially when trying to honor the traditions and expectations of Muslim parents. In this episode we open up about our personal journeys, providing a candid look at how we managed parental involvement while seeking that special someone. From not keeping my (Hiba's) parents informed at every swipe and click on the matchmaking platform to the moment their role shifted as my relationship with Zaid deepened, we share the delicate balance between autonomy and family counsel. I (Zaid) on the other hand, reflect on the distinctive dynamics men face and the implicit trust extended by my parents in my search for a partner.

    Our episode goes beyond just stories; it's the unveiling of our bespoke matchmaking service tailored for busy Muslim professionals. You'll hear about our philosophy on fostering direct, meaningful connections between potential partners—without parents on the double dates. Through an engaging real-life account, we highlight the intricacies involved when aligning the divergent paths of family hopes and personal aspirations. It's a narrative that champions the empowerment of our clients, ensuring their values and life goals are at the forefront of their matchmaking experience. Join us for an honest conversation about finding love within the beautiful tapestry of tradition and modernity.
    To help us grow we'd appreciate an honest review/rating of this podcast.

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    • 17 min
    Breaking the Silence on the "D" Word

    Breaking the Silence on the "D" Word

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    Have you ever found yourself whispering about divorce, only to realize it deserves a much louder conversation? Join us as we cast aside the hushed tones and bring this pivotal topic to the forefront. With candid conversations from our matchmaker diaries, we dissect the often misunderstood realities of divorce within the Muslim community. Whether it's the social stigmas or personal apprehensions that come with marrying someone who's been down that road, we're unpacking it all to foster a more open dialogue.

    From the reticence in discussing past marriages to the genuine surprise of incompatibility as a leading cause for marital dissolution, this episode is a journey of discovery and reflection. We're not shy about sharing our initial hesitations or the societal pressures that weigh on decisions like these. Through stories that will touch your heart, we emphasize the critical importance of asking the right questions and embracing a courtship that's focused on compatibility, not just ticking off boxes. Tune in and let's navigate these choppy waters together, supporting one another through understanding and empathy.
    To help us grow we'd appreciate an honest review/rating of this podcast.

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    • 11 min
    The Downside of Working with Muslims

    The Downside of Working with Muslims

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    Ever navigated the complex seas of matchmaking within the Muslim community? Join us as we recount our trials and tribulations, facing a tide of unresponsiveness and the occasional storm of unprofessionalism. We're on a mission to connect hearts while grappling with the silence from clients, parents, masjids, and MSAs alike. Hear our stories of perseverance through the frustrating quiet, and the rare but treasured positive responses that keep our sails billowing. From missing-in-action clients to awkward revelations and a sense of entitlement that can unnerve the sturdiest of ships, we've seen it all. Contrast that with our smoother voyages alongside non-Muslims, and you'll see the professional seas we navigate are as varied as they are unpredictable.

    Setting sail into the waters of professional conduct, we find the Muslim community's compass sometimes points away from Islamic principles such as punctuality and respect—values we cherish deeply as adab and akhlaq (Islamic manners and morals). While our conversation might mirror the waves of a venting session, it's a reflection shared by many entrepreneurs bobbing along in similar boats. Through these shared seas of experience, we extend an oar for you to join our journey and contribute to a discussion that's more than just us talking to the wind. Share your thoughts, anchor your insights, and let's chart a course together for higher standards within our community.
    To help us grow we'd appreciate an honest review/rating of this podcast.

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    • 12 min
    Why Men aren't Getting Married?

    Why Men aren't Getting Married?

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    Are financial benchmarks, like a six-figure salary or owning a home, genuinely prerequisites for a blissful Muslim marriage? Join us as we tackle the tough questions surrounding the intersection of finance, cultural expectations, and Islamic marriage requirements. In this episode, we peel back the layers on why many Muslim men feel pressured to meet these economic milestones, examining the effects these standards have on the journey towards marriage within our community. We share personal insights and stories that shed light on the real necessities for a union in Islam, as opposed to the luxury and excess our culture often dictates.

    Together, we navigate the murky waters of mahar demands and what it means to be 'financially ready' for marriage. Delving into the practical aspects of providing basic needs, we discuss how these cultural and financial expectations can prolong or even indefinitely delay the pursuit of marriage. Our conversation is steeped in hadith-informed perspectives, aiming to strike a balance between ambition and the desire for companionship. Listen in as we offer thoughtful advice for singles maneuvering through the complexities of marital expectations, advocating for a return to simplicity and faith-based principles in finding a life partner.
    To help us grow we'd appreciate an honest review/rating of this podcast.

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    • 13 min
    A Reality Check to Our Single Ladies

    A Reality Check to Our Single Ladies

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    Discover the hidden obstacles that single Muslims encounter in their journey toward marriage. As your matchmaker duo peels back the layers on a pressing issue within our community—the pervasive passivity in seeking a spouse, especially among Muslim women. Why do many delay tying the knot, choosing instead to prioritize education and career? Is culture playing a part in this trend? Tune in to uncover the societal expectations, personal motivations, and the consequences these choices bring to the marriage table. 

    This episode isn't just a heart-to-heart; it's a reality check. We share candid experiences from our matchmaking careers, revealing an eye-opening contrast in urgency between genders. The conversation gets personal as we discuss how intimacy and the desire for family life influence the process. For those navigating the single life and the complexities that come with it, our dialogue provides not only advice but a fresh perspective. Join us for an honest exploration of what it means to be a single Muslim woman in the West.
    To help us grow we'd appreciate an honest review/rating of this podcast.

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    • 15 min
    Why is the Default NO?

    Why is the Default NO?

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    Why does "NO" seem to be the reflex response for so many singles in the Muslim matchmaking scene, even when a compatible match is staring them in the face? As Hiba and I, Zaid, navigate through the intricate dance of finding a life partner, we can't help but notice a perplexing trend. We're sharing some personal stories and shedding light on why the endless search for perfection might lead to a road of endless singlehood. Our experiences, both personal and professional, reveal the sacrifices and dedication foundational to any successful partnership – and we're not shying away from voicing our frustrations with clients who lack the seriousness necessary for this journey.

    Join us as we prompt a fascinating debate in this episode, challenging the relentless chase of the ideal spouse – an often unattainable mirage. We probe deep into the psyche of modern Muslim singles, exploring whether the abundance of choice is truly a blessing or a curse in disguise. As we wrap things up, we're eager for your engagement and insights. Lend us your thoughts and anecdotes, and join the conversation as we continue to tackle the complex tapestry of matchmaking within our vibrant community. Peace be upon you until we meet again for another candid and thought-provoking discussion.
    To help us grow we'd appreciate an honest review/rating of this podcast.

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    • 15 min

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