Diary of a Matchmaker

Let’s be honest, courting can feel like a weird mix of awkward silences and overly intense “So, where do you see yourself in five years?” vibes. Today, we're sharing a better way: playful, thought-provoking activities designed to spark real connection without killing the vibe.

These aren’t your typical icebreakers. One minute you’re ranking your top values, the next you’re arguing (respectfully!) over whether a $3,000 mattress is worth the splurge. And in the process, you’re learning how someone thinks, what they prioritize, and how they deal with pressure or disagreement.

The best part? You might learn a few things about yourself too. Because compatibility isn’t just about knowing the other person, it’s also about understanding what matters to you.

So if you’re navigating the courting world and want less awkwardness, more depth, and maybe a few laughs along the way, this episode’s for you.

Curious to try these games yourself? The Compatibility Challenge lives here: Amazon or halalmatch.ca.

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!

Ghosting sucks, especially when you’re serious about marriage. You start overthinking: Did I say something wrong? Is it my looks? But usually, it’s not about you. In this episode we get real about ghosting, from both sides. Zaid admits he once micro-ghosted because he couldn’t be honest, while Hiba shares the pain of being left hanging. We break down why ghosting happens so much in Muslim courting, why silence feels “easier,” and what Islam says about honest communication.

Been ghosted or done the ghosting? This episode’s for you. Share your story on the Single Muslim Hotline!

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!

You made istikhara... now you're just confused, dreamless, and wondering what’s next. Sound familiar? If you're in the marriage search scene, you've probably bumped into the mysterious world of istikhara, or worse, been "istikhara’d" (aka ghosted with a religious excuse).

Today we’re breaking down what istikhara is really about: seeking goodness from Allah, not outsourcing your decisions. We’re busting myths and sharing real stories from our matchmaking experiences where istikhara was misused as an emotional escape hatch.

Whether you're about to say yes to a proposal or just curious, this episode will help you make decisions with your heart, mind, and faith aligned. Plus we have a funny blooper for you to enjoy! 

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!

What do you do when your dad turns into a one-man dating app filter… and swipes left on everyone? In this episode we’re talking about something major: when your father’s wilayah (guardianship) can actually be removed. Yep, it’s a thing, and it’s not taken lightly.

We’re diving into real stories, like the woman who aged out of her prime while her parents waited for Mr. Perfect Ethnic Match, and another whose mom basically ran the rejection department. We break down what wilayah is really supposed to be, how it's misused, and what to do if you're stuck in a no-win situation. 

Hit download if you’ve ever wondered: Is this protection… or control? And send this to a friend who's been “almost married” 17 times.

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Misyar marriage—halal but hotly debated. In this episode, we break down what it actually is, why some people turn to it, and why scholars aren’t exactly cheering it on. Think: waived rights, complicated intentions, and a whole lot of ethical gray area. We cover everything from divorced moms looking for companionship to men using it as a loophole—and why that’s a problem. With shifting gender roles and evolving needs, Misyar is becoming more common, but is it the right move? We get into the real talk: when it works, when it hurts, and what to know before diving in.

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!

What happens when a student catches feelings... for her professor? And what if he feels the same but can't say a word until the semester ends? This isn't your average love story. It’s a journey shaped by quiet moments, bold choices, and some family drama that challenged what they thought love would look like.  Now 25 years in, they're sharing how it all started and what kept them going.

This episode is for every Muslim single who still believes in love. Don’t miss it.

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!

"I wish she gave me more attention.. Why do I have to beg for intimacy?.. Maybe I should consider a second wife!" Today we're unpacking a trend we’re seeing more often: men considering polygamy, and women actually open to it. While polygamy is part of our faith, it’s not a free pass for avoiding deeper issues in a marriage. 

We also talk about the practical side: the legal messiness of polygamy in the West (it’s actually criminal in Canada), the emotional toll on everyone involved, and why it’s not always the solution people think it is.

This episode isn’t here to judge, but to offer a real talk on what’s halal, what’s practical, and what might need more therapy than a second nikah. Give it a listen. You might come out with more questions than answers (and that’s kind of the point). 

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!

In this episode, we’re diving into the world of halal courting with the incredible Lama Aboubakr, a relationship coach who specializes in helping Muslims attract the right person they truly deserve. Let’s face it—sometimes, past experiences and old patterns can hold us back from finding the fulfilling relationship we long for. But Lama’s here to show us how to break free from those cycles and shift our mindset.

Lama shares powerful insights on building self-awareness, understanding attachment styles, and improving communication—all crucial steps in attracting the right partner. Her approach helps you work on yourself, so you can become the kind of person who not only deserves a great relationship but is ready to build one too.

Tune in to discover how to approach the search for a spouse with confidence, patience, and clarity, knowing that when you do the inner work, the right person will come your way.

Check out Lama's website here and follow her on Instagram here.

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!

"Muslim Matchmaker" is making waves, and we’re diving deep into it. In this episode, we break down whether the show hits or misses when it comes to Islamic courtship. Does it reflect our values, or are there some glaring mismatches? We chat about the show's ideas and how it stacks up against other matchmaking shows. Does the flashy aesthetic add anything meaningful, or is it just for the 'gram?

Our conversation goes beyond just the drama. It’s about the principles that should drive real connections, grounded in faith. We want to spark some reflection and critical thinking on how these portrayals shape the way we view relationships and the Muslim community. Trust us, you won’t want to miss this one!

We'd love to hear your opinion on the show, even if you disagree. Feel free to leave a comment or send an email. 

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!

Starting over after a breakup or divorce? We know it’s not easy, but you’re not alone. In this episode, we sit down with therapist Sarah Sultan to talk about what it really takes to heal, grow, and move forward with confidence.

We discuss how to recognize red flags you might have missed the first time around and how to rebuild your self-worth so you’re not carrying past baggage into something new. We also cover the importance of finding clarity on what you need in a spouse, and why you should focus on becoming whole before looking for someone to complete you. If you’re ready to stop feeling stuck and start seeing this as a fresh beginning, this episode is for you.

Follow Sarah on Instagram, or email her directly at: [email protected] 

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!