Fatwa

Muslim Matrimonial Networking in Zambia

Question

There is a project run by two young Muslim ladies in our community wherein the goal is to find suitable marriage partners after giving them data which is requested via a form. They say that data will be kept confidential, and once a match is found, they will be informed and then both parties families will take the matter from there. The project is happy to assist in facilitating a meeting if needed.

Is this permitted in Shariah or not?

Answer

In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

As-salāmu ‘alaykum wa-rahmatullāhi wa-barakātuh.

Traditionally, Muslims have always kept the concept of finding matches to follow its natural due course. Every society has talk amongst them about people who are not yet married or are looking for a spouse. And as experience has shown, this method works.

The project that has been undertaken more or less formalises the traditional method. We would not venture to use the word impermissible for it, however, the following concerns remain.

1. It is inherently permitting direct communication between non-mahrams (an applicant liaising with the organiser).
2. No individual will put forward their negative traits in a biography form thereby discrediting whatever matches may be found as only the good side of two people is placed front and centre. This is usually catered for in the traditional method of finding matches.
3. It requires an applicant to trust the system to keep confidential whatever data has been submitted.

Our conclusion is based on the details provided on the advertisement. The Darul Iftaa will not be responsible for any irregularities in the actual procedure and process of the concept.

And Allah Ta’āla Knows Best

Mufti Bilal Pandor

Concurred by
Mufti Nabeel Valli

Darul Iftaa Mahmudiyyah
Lusaka, Zambia

www.daruliftaazambia.com