Diary of a Matchmaker
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 and self-doubt. 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 our matchmaking service 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 of matchmaking. We’ll share our stories, experiences, and much more. So say Bismillah and tune in.
Do you have a story to share? Email us at: info@halalmatch.ca
Find us on:
Website: https://halalmatch.ca/
Youtube: https://shorturl.at/ywE8N
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/halalmatch.ca/
The Compatibility Challenge on Amazon: https://tinyurl.com/mtdeefsh
#muslimmarriage #muslimpodcast #islamicmarriage #singlemuslim #muslimcouple
Episodes
80 episodes
What if I Never Get Married?
What if marriage never happens? Not as a gloomy thought, but as a real, quiet one many of us have whispered at some point. What if you’ve prayed, tried, and waited, and it still doesn’t come? What then?This episode speaks to that space ...
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Episode 79
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26:52
Is Lowering the Gaze Still Relevant Today?
Have you ever been told to “lower your gaze” and wondered what that’s supposed to look like in 2025 when the hardest place to lower it isn’t the street, but your screen? One innocent scroll can turn into a full-blown spiral before you even real...
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Episode 78
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27:50
This Could Save Your Marriage Before It Starts w/ Hina Mirza
Most couples obsess over the wedding details: venues, flowers, guest lists... but skip the one step that actually prepares you for marriage. We know because we skipped it too. And trust us, it’s a mistake we don't want you to make.To...
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Episode 77
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1:05:10
How Much To Share About Your Past?
“Should I tell them about my past?” It’s the question that makes every single Muslim pause. And let’s be real, our communities don’t make it easier. Men often get a pass, while women get judged twice as hard for the same mistakes.In this...
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Episode 76
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44:19
What Men & Women Think About Each Other
“Men only care about looks.” “Women only care about money.” Sound bites like these have turned the Muslim marriage search into a battle of stereotypes. But are men really afraid of commitment? Are women really desperate for it?In this ep...
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Episode 75
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42:29
Masculinity in Crisis: Between Toxic and Weak w/ Dr. Omar Husain
Masculinity is either glorified or vilified, and single Muslims often pay the price. Women get told to avoid “dominant” men, while men are told to tone themselves down to avoid being toxic. The result? Confusion, frustration, and marriages buil...
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Episode 74
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1:03:15
The Talking Stage: How Long Is Too Long?
How long should the talking stage really last? For many Muslims, what starts as a way to assess compatibility drags on for months or even years with no real progress. In this episode we dive into the question every single faces: when does talki...
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Episode 73
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32:12
Awkward Talks: Childbirth Before Marriage w/ Hebaa Rizeq
Childbirth talk when you’re single? Awkward. “Not for public discussion”? Maybe. “Only for women”? Definitely what most people think. But here’s the truth: understanding this journey before marriage could transform your future relation...
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Episode 72
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40:56
How Our Naivety Almost Killed Our Business
This is the story of how our big idea for Muslim matchmaking nearly backfired. We set out to create the ultimate premium experience, convinced that generosity and effort would guarantee results. Instead, we discovered that the real obstacle was...
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Episode 71
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28:27
The One Thing You Need Before Marriage Fights w/ Kamela Salimi
Think conflict management is only for married couples? Wrong. If you’re single and hoping for a healthy marriage, now is the time to learn it. In this episode, psychotherapist Kamela Salimi shares why conflict is the top issue she sees in coupl...
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Episode 70
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53:54
Where To Meet Single Muslims Beyond The Algorithm?
If finding a spouse feels like shouting into the void, it might be a visibility problem, not a you problem. Today we unpack what it really means to be visible as a single Muslim. From offline spaces you might be overlooking to subtle shifts in ...
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Episode 69
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26:54
Marrying in 2025: Here's What We'd Do Differently
If we were getting married in 2025, we’d do things very differently. After four years as professional matchmakers and a whole lot of hindsight we’ve got some honest reflections (and a few regrets) to share.This episode dives into the bli...
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Episode 68
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26:19
Five Signs You're Not Ready For Marriage
Most of us think readiness means having a stable job, moving out of our parents’ home, or feeling financially secure. And while those things matter, they only scratch the surface. What if the deeper signs you are not ready are less obvious, but...
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Episode 67
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21:38
Nine Green Flags You’re Probably Ignoring
Most single people are laser-focused on spotting red flags, but what if that mindset is holding you back? In this episode we flip the script and talk about green flags that often go unnoticed but are key to a successful marriage. From apologizi...
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Episode 66
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33:06
Why Disability Is a Dealbreaker for Most People? w/ Rabia Khedr
What happens when love meets real honesty, deep faith, and a few assumptions that need challenging? In this episode, we speak with Rabia Khedr, a blind Muslim woman, community leader, and mother of four, whose story flips the narrative on what ...
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Episode 65
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45:35
Can a Strong Independent Woman Be a Wife? w/ Hafsa Taher
She’s got the career, the home, the passport stamps.. so does she really need a husband? Today we sit down with Hafsa Taher, a life coach for high-achieving women to talk about what happens when Miss Independent starts considering marriage. We ...
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Episode 64
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1:02:14
Unfiltered Reflections From Our Living Room
This episode isn’t polished. It’s not prepped. It’s just raw. We hit record and asked each other honest questions about our marriage, no script, no filters. What unfolded was a vulnerable, improvised conversation about love, fears, cul...
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Episode 63
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32:41
Considering Marrying a Convert? Listen First w/ Aiah Neamatallah
This week, psychotherapist Aiah Neamatallah joins us to talk about what many converts face after the shahada, especially when it comes to marriage, from feeling caught between two worlds to navigating power dynamics in relationships. W...
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Episode 62
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30:17
Financial Habits Every Single Should Know w/ Jesse Reitberger
Money talks before marriage don’t have to be cringey, they’re actually a must. We brought in Jesse Reitberger, an Islamic finance expert and founder of Canadian Islamic Wealth, to break down why it’s not about the salary number, but
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Episode 61
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55:28
The Productivity Shift Every Single Needs w/ Mohammed Faris
🚨 Heads up: If you only listen to one episode of this podcast, make it this one. We’re obsessed.What if preparing for marriage wasn’t about ticking more boxes, but about aligning your effort with purpose, intention, and barakah? W...
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Episode 60
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53:17
Forget Small Talk: Try This Instead!
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 con...
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Episode 59
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35:24
Ghosting: The Breakup You Never Saw Coming
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 ...
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Episode 58
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27:25
Istikhara Myths That Need To Go
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 ghost...
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Episode 57
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32:14
