It’s Spring and the flowers are blooming, the birds are chirping, and people are on the look out for love. I think it has to do with this season being one that signifies new beginnings. While the winter was a time to throw away old things (and old relationships), Spring and its companion season Summer, are times when people are searching for new friendships and new love.

Unless your parents have you fixed up in an arranged marriage (which sounds ideal to me), then you’re probably struggling like the rest of us trying to figure out how to get hitched. Word on the street is that people are tired of dating apps. While they were all the rage during the pandemic, they have lost their luster. Gen Z in particular is looking to find love IRL. If you’re Gen Z or even if you’re not, you must get creative because the struggle is real. Not enough mosques have functioning matrimonial programs and not enough families are connecting for the purpose of setting up their kids.

If you’re looking for new ways to find a spouse, then look no further because I’ve got ideas!

1. Try a Marriage Event

I think the best way to meet someone for marriage is at an in-person event. Sometimes a casual Muslim event like a mixed halaqa or a third space picnic can be a good way to meet and mingle with the opposite sex. However, I have found that men and women usually stay in their own bubbles at those events. 

What can make the difference is attending an in person matrimonial event. At these events, you will find people that are proactively looking for marriage and the activities are framed to encourage mingling. Companies like Half Our Deen and Muzz are hosting “offline” events in which they create spaces for men and women intending to get married to actually talk to each other for the purpose of marriage. Now, not every event is set up in a way that leads to good matches. Some of the events involve little to no vetting of the candidates. But overall I think they’re valuable because people come with the intention of meeting their life long partner. That matters. 

2. Go to an Islamic Convention

Muslim conventions draw crowds in the thousands. I have found that attending conventions like ICNA or ISNA are a little overwhelming in terms of the schedule of events, but they are very helpful in getting people in the same room from different parts of the state or even the country. I have heard countless stories of couples meeting by chance at the convention and those relationships leading to marriage. I have not heard or experienced good things when it comes to the pre-planned matrimonial programs that those conventions host, but I think just being in the same venue with like minded Muslims can be a great starting point for meeting a match.

3. Use Instagram as Your Dating Profile

Believe it or not, some singles are using their Instagram page as their unofficial dating profile. People have become so fed up with dating apps, that they have decided to create their own profile (listing their career, hobbies, personality, and what they’re looking for) and made it public for anyone on IG to find and interact with. I personally have met someone that had several good men reach out after she posted that she was seeking a serious committed relationship. This idea may be a little nerve wracking, but it’s a new trend that you may want to consider!

4. Ask Your Married Friends to be Matchmakers

Last year, the Washington Post interviewed me about my past experiences as a matchmaker. The article was about how people wish that their partnered friends would set them up with romantic partners. It was re-shared many times on IG and received a lot of comments. I think the reason why so many people related to that article is because so many people are afraid to be vulnerable. People don’t always like to ask for help when it comes to something so personal. But in this day and age, everyone needs help finding love. So if you have married friends that would be sensitive about the subject, take a chance and ask them to set you up with their single friends formally. You never know what could happen! Learn more about Spring Cleaning: What, Where and How?

FAQs

How can I stay modest while attending mixed matrimonial events?

Wear a comfortable yet elegant woven hijab or chiffon hijab with an abaya for a balanced, modest look.

What should I wear to an Islamic convention to meet potential spouses?

Opt for a Jersey hijab that stays in place all day paired with open abayas or an Abaya Dress for a polished appearance.

Are there affordable options for modest event wear?

Yes, VELA offers Cheap abayas and satin silk hijabs online that are perfect for matrimonial events and conventions.