| Muslim matrimonial sites are nothing new to Muslims. | | | | are finding it difficult to find love in the West. Drinking |
| These matrimonial sites have been circulating for | | | | is not permitted so meeting others in outside social |
| years and have a small but rapidly growing following | | | | gatherings is usually limited to a few choice areas. |
| in the Muslim community. The way they operate is | | | | And what about the Muslims who live in areas which |
| simple enough, single Muslims join looking for a | | | | are sparsely populated by other Muslims, how are |
| partner but unlike other ‘dating sites’, the | | | | they expected to even meet other Muslims. |
| emphasis is not on dating but on finding a suitable | | | | Chances are that someone you know has already |
| marriage partner for life. Therefore the individuals | | | | joined a dating or matrimonial site. Approximately 1 in |
| who are on these sites are comparatively more | | | | 5 in the UK have used some type of relationship site |
| serious about their search for a partner as casual | | | | in the past or are currently using it. The popularity |
| dating is not permitted in Islam. | | | | speaks for its success. Muslim matrimonial sites are |
| The alternatives to Muslim matrimonial sites are | | | | more specialized as they are specifically targeting |
| arranged marriages. A prospect which fills the | | | | Muslims. |
| majority of Muslims with trepidation and uneasiness. | | | | Many Muslims still feel uncomfortable about admitting |
| The thought of entering into a life long relationship | | | | they have joined a matrimonial sites. It is under the |
| with someone who you have put your faith into your | | | | misconception that online matrimonial sites are only |
| parents into finding for you can make ones nerves | | | | exclusive to the desperate or those that have |
| unsteady. Arranged marriages are not necessarily | | | | something fundamentally wrong with their personality |
| how they show in the media as both men and | | | | or character. This is simply not the case. Marriage |
| women are able to agree or disagree to the | | | | websites have grown to become a useful and viable |
| prospective bride or groom. This still has its | | | | option when searching for a partner. Where else |
| drawbacks though. The parents, although having the | | | | could you gain so much information about a |
| best of intentions, are not going to have to live with | | | | prospective groom or bride without having to travel |
| this person. The families involved may be looking out | | | | half way across the country. |
| for their own best interests such as keeping up a | | | | The question of whether these sites can help Muslims |
| certain status in the community by marrying their | | | | to find suitable and life long partners is a resounding |
| children into other families. | | | | yes. But just remember that while they can help by |
| Muslim dating and matrimonial sites have risen from | | | | giving you all the up to date information needed |
| the ashes of the arranged marriages fiasco. They | | | | about other Muslims in your area, they still require |
| offer men and women the chance to control their | | | | you to be able to make the right choices in your |
| own destiny. The internet has brought about a very | | | | search to find a partner. So be true to yourself and |
| progressive movement in the way couples have met | | | | what you are looking for and love will find you. |
| online and why shouldn’t it also help Muslims who | | | | |