Diary of a Matchmaker

If you’ve ever downloaded a Muslim 'dating' app full of hope, only to find yourself drowning in awkward chats, ghosting, and people who don’t seem to know why they’re there… we get it. It’s exhausting. In this episode, we’re talking about the real struggles of apps; the disappointments, the confusion, and the moments that make you want to delete them forever. We’re also sharing tips on h...

Today we're spilling the tea on how social media is turning our brains into mush when it comes to marriage expectations. From scrolling through picture-perfect weddings to comparing our own love lives to influencer highlight reels. We’ve all been there, feeling FOMO because your friend’s husband just bought her a Ferrari, while you’re getting excited about a new couch. Whether you’re married...

In this episode, we’re diving into the classic “I have a career, but I’m not paying for anything” dilemma. You know, the one where women are out here making bank, but somehow, it’s still all on the man to cover the bills. We’re keeping it real and exploring the balance (or lack thereof) between having a career and contributing to the household financially. We’re not here to judge. Just a little ho...

In this episode, we’re joined by Habeeb Akande, a sex educator and Muslim erotologist, to challenge outdated views on intimacy in Islam. He’s here to remind us of the true Islamic teachings on relationships. Think consent, mutual respect, and yes, female pleasure, and how cultural norms and misinformation have twisted our understanding of intimacy. We also dive into how to read religious teachings...

What does it mean to lead in a marriage? For men, it’s not about being bossy; it’s about responsibility, humility, and knowing when to step up. For women, it’s about recognizing those qualities before you commit. In this episode, we explore the Prophet's leadership in his family and how it sets the gold standard for modern Muslim marriages. We’ll talk about what real leadership looks like, be...

In this episode, we dive into the awkward, and sometimes painful journey of figuring that out. From emotional maturity to basic life skills (yes, knowing how to cook counts), we’re keeping it real and relatable. Spoiler: If you think ‘romantic’ means sending memes at 2 a.m., you might want to tune in. We’re sharing stories, tips, and a few laughs to help you level up for the marriage game. Let’s f...

In this episode, we dive into the impact of trauma on single Muslims, especially how past experiences shape relationships. A trauma-informed coach joins us; Hana Alasry who shares insights on the importance of hope in healing and how the Prophet (PBUH) navigated immense personal loss with resilience, trusting in Allah’s Qadr. We also discuss how small triggers can lead to emotional breakdowns and...

In this episode, we dive into the concept of soulmates; are they just a rom-com myth, or is there something deeper? We explore the idea from an Islamic perspective, discuss the role of qadr (divine decree), and unpack why "waiting for Mr./Mrs. Perfect" might be holding you back. Spoiler alert: marriage isn't the end of the story. Join us for a fun, insightful chat that might just ch...

In this episode, we dive into the Quran’s only detailed proposal story—Prophet Musa (AS) and his journey from being a refugee to finding a wife. It’s a story filled with timeless lessons about character, divine timing, and how a simple act of kindness (like watering sheep!) can change your life. We loved reflecting on how this story connects to what we see in matchmaking today. Whether you’re sing...

This week we confront the notorious Haram Police ! 🚔 From awkward aunties and clapping controversies to MSAs that outdo Islamic rulings themselves, we share our personal run-ins with this self-appointed moral authority. 🎻 Spoiler: classical music, theater, and even holding hands while married aren’t safe from judgment. We discuss how culture complicates the marriage process and why Islam’s simpl...

In this episode, we take you behind the scenes of our matchmaking process, revealing the immense effort and dedication we pour into finding meaningful, compatible matches for single Muslims. From in-depth discovery calls and personalized assessments to carefully planned double dates, we share how our hands-on, halal approach goes above and beyond to help our clients on their journey to marriage. R...

Unlock the secrets of forming successful relationships as we bring you an exciting conversation with the esteemed Imam Navaid Aziz. Together, we explore the intricate dynamics of emotional intelligence in relationship matching. This episode promises to provide valuable insights into recognizing emotional intelligence in a potential spouse, a key determinant in nurturing loving connections. Follow...

What if a simple piece of paper could dictate the course of your life's most personal decision? Today we unravel the world of Biodatas, questioning whether this 'marriage resume' truly captures the essence of a person or merely reflects outdated societal norms. From personal stories of arranged marriage proposals to the cultural expectations that surround them, we shed light on the...

In this episode, we join you on the listening side, as Nida K. shares her twenty-year journey searching for marriage. She opens up about the challenges she faced, the lessons she learned, and her hopes for the future. If you're someone on the journey to marriage, this episode will relate to you in one way or another.  If you have a story to share, we'd love to have you on the podcast. Se...

Why are so many single Muslims still struggling to find a match despite an ocean of options? Using relatable analogies and personal experiences, we explore why having a plethora of matrimonial avenues doesn’t necessarily make the quest for a partner any easier. Is it a lack of awareness? Misunderstanding how to leverage these resources? We untangle these questions and more. If something we said ma...

Join us as we welcome Baba Ali, the man who got us married and the founder of Half Our Deen, a platform revolutionizing matchmaking for Muslims. Baba Ali shares his entertaining and insightful journey, challenging societal norms and debunking the stigma around online matrimonial services. With a mix of humor and wisdom, we explore how finding love isn't always about that first glance, but rat...

Things we didn't expect when we decided to become matchmakers. Which one surprised you the most? If something we said made you think, laugh, or feel seen, leave us a rating and review! It helps more people find the show. And hey, if you know someone who needs to hear this episode, send it their way. Sharing is caring!

Zahra Hassan, a seasoned relationship coach with a transformative personal journey, shares her insights on building fulfilling marriages. After navigating the complexities of her divorce and remarriage, Zahra reveals the essential ingredients for choosing the right partner. Join us on this truly inspirational and informative episode to learn how to: identify the 4Cs, use rejections to your advanta...

In this episode we navigate the challenges of marrying someone from one’s home country, discussing the stigma and drawbacks, such as long-distance hurdles and the intricacies of the immigration processes. We stress the importance of self-awareness and assessing one's cultural connections when contemplating such a significant life decision. With an emphasis on keeping an open mind, we explore...

Prepare to revolutionize your understanding of intimacy in marriage with insights from Amirah Zaky, a faith-aligned sex educator and vaginismus expert. Amirah shares her personal struggles, shedding light on the significant gaps in sex education within the Muslim community. Through her journey, she highlights the vital importance of educating couples to prevent marital discord and divorce, dispell...

Starting with the etymology of the word "Allah" and its intrinsic connection to love in Arabic, this episode delves into whether pre-marital love is acceptable and how it aligns with our deen. We'll navigate through common concerns, offering practical advice for those in love but not financially ready for marriage. If something we said made you think, laugh, or feel seen, leave us a...

Things we wish we could say to our clients, but find ourselves bound by the lines of courtesy and professionalism. This episode might sound like nothing but insensitive ranting but we promise you it's not. Listen to the end to understand why we decided to make this risky move and share what we had to share.  If something we said made you think, laugh, or feel seen, leave us a rating and revie...

Our story started with no fireworks but blossomed into a deep connection built on shared values and mutual understanding. Discover how we went from "this is a waste of time" to finding joy in our similarities, and learn why patience and realistic expectations might just be the key to your next great relationship. Today we challenge the common misconception that chemistry has to be immedi...

Today we share the heartwarming story of one of our quickest matches, now happily engaged but facing family resistance to an early nikah. This couple's story sheds light on the broader challenges many face when trying to harmonize tradition with faith. From the struggle to maintain formal interactions to the family fears surrounding early nikahs, we uncover the emotional and practical implica...

In this episode we tackle the evolving dynamics around marriage timing within the Muslim community. We share candid reflections on how cultural expectations and economic pressures are pushing many to delay marriage.  If something we said made you think, laugh, or feel seen, leave us a rating and review! It helps more people find the show. And hey, if you know someone who needs to hear this episode...