Dating In Islam: Why Muslims shouldn't Date and why YOU shouldn't either.

Note: Though this article is directed towards Muslims, it applies to everyone in the realm of dating, those looking for love and coming up unsatisfied etc.



Staggering Statistics:

-More than 50% of marriages in America end in divorce (Source: New York Times)
-Cheating and casual no string attached premarital sex are at all time highs. (Source: USA Today)



Is dating against the Qur’an? Believe me, I have spent many nights racking my brain trying to figure this one out for myself back in my teenage years. I yearned for that one magical verse or explanation that makes everything clear. 

Let me break the suspense by saying that I have yet to find that one verse. The good news is that my search has given me a much better understanding of this difficult question. My findings brought me to the realization that dating is a process which occupies a great deal of your emotions and tempts you physically so fast that you don't realize what hit you. 

To put it bluntly: It sucks out your soul. The "game of dating" --especially if you're a Muslim-- inevitably spins out of control and becomes very hard to maintain. The real challenge to your faith starts when the attention shifts away from the needs of your soul to the needs of your body and drains your efforts to increase your remembrance of God.

The Soul Drain

Typically, the word dating is used when a guy and a girl develop both an intimate physical and social relationship together. The physical part is as simple as holding hands and gradually evolves into hugging, kissing and eventually S-E-X. 

What's the big deal with a little kiss or hand holding? Yes, I can certainly relate that it's innocent and very common, but I can assure you it's more involved than you imagine. 

For one thing, there are verses in the Qur’an which regard this type of interaction as much more serious than we would like to think. All the mushy stuff--unfortunately for those unattached--should only be reserved for husband and wife. 

I hate to take something from a song, much less a Beyonce song but in this case, "If you want it, then you better put a ring on it." (Of course when it comes to Muslims, you don't need a ring to get married but you get my point.)

In addition to having to deal with the Quranic aspect of this issue, you are cluttering your mind with sensitive and powerful emotions that do not help you in remembering God and growing your soul.


Holding Hands: Looks innocent but it really screams DANGER!

Basically, Dating makes you forget about Allah (obeying him, doing the right thing). The daily challenge of obeying Allah and doing the right thing becomes harder and less active in your mind as you become increasingly attracted to your mate with your thoughts, emotions, and time.

Although you may use good arguments to comfort your mind that your actions are harmless, your soul feels the energy being zapped away and becomes weaker and more vulnerable. The time and attention you give to your emotional attachment is the precious strength your soul needs to grow. And since you're so caught up in the euphoria of "being in love", you can't hear the weak calls from your soul.

I am pretty sure that no matter how strong you think you are, this soul drain is bound to happen when you invite the process of premarital dating to your life. If you feel you can date someone without the physical stuff, you gotta be real with yourself.

For some, there may be a sincere intention to have only a platonic social interaction with a person. In this case, the relationship should be called a friendship, not dating, and all parties involved should have a clear understanding of this from the very beginning without any room for guesswork or temptation.

Even then, what one day seems like just a friendship may develop into something more. (See: The Truth about Why Women and Men can't be "Just Friends" [VIDEO])

The Clear Evidences

There are some folks out there who date but due to factors like religion, trust, outrage from parents etc. withhold the physical aspects. That may be admirable to some extent but Lord knows there's this lingering feeling deep inside the psyche; the growing desire for contact and romance. 

When that's the issue, you should ask yourself one question: "What's the point of winning the battles of avoiding the physical stuff while your soul is losing the war from all the energy and effort that's being drained away and spent?” Why go through the hassle? You either remove yourself from the situation or end the guilt and get married. 

However, if you are giving in to your urges and satisfying your physical desires, I suggest you fasten your seat belt before continuing to read some of the verses I come cross in the Qur’an.


There are clear verses in the Qur’an against the natural results of dating; from the seemingly innocent kiss to the more obvious. God instructs all of us eligible bachelors and bachelorettes to maintain our chastity until marriage (Quran Verses 5:5, 23:5-7, 24:30-31, 70:29-31). 

Chastity is defined Quranically in 23:6 as avoiding sexual relations. You may try to ease your mind quickly by defining sexual relations as intercourse only, leaving all other contact as fair game. It's a pretty good argument I've tried to use myself more than once.

No sir!

According to the Qur’an, however, sexual relations include any intimate physical contact. Let's look at if from another angle. How can we justify holding someone's hand romantically or kissing them when God asks us to be extra careful by subduing our eyes/lowering our gaze (24:30-31) and even avoid meeting secretly unless we have something clean/righteous to discuss (2:235).

The classic argument to support physical relations is claiming that the person is "rightfully yours." You convince yourself that the person you are dating, which happens to be a fellow Muslim or a potential convert, will be your future spouse which is exactly what I had done when I first had a serious relationship going with my wife of 3 years.

Based on the flawed reasoning, sexual relations with someone who is rightfully yours is not as bad and makes you feel less guilty about your actions. If you think about this line of reasoning carefully, you will find some big problems.

The least important is the fact that you are probably years away from being ready to tie the knot. Of course, completing your education, having a source of income besides your weekly allowance , and setting up a place to live other than your parents' house are useful little details which may have skipped your mind.

And aside from that, how about learning the Islamic basics of marriage, the rights of the spouse and readying yourself to making a lifetime commitment? Some time would definitely have to be invested on your spiritual education which should be a higher priority than your financial and career development.

By that time, the "rightfully yours" dream date may be out of your life and you realize your useful excuse provided temporary pleasure at a great expense to your soul. The main problem with the rightfully yours argument is that this Quranic statement has nothing to do with supporting dating intentions.

Unfortunately, I have even seen parents use this argument to ease their mind or justify dating for their child. Instead of encouraging their child to focus on God continually (20:132) and avoid the temptation of dating, they give in to peer pressure and the common practices of today. They reason that it's better for their child to start a relationship with someone they know, especially if it's a Muslim, rather than remaining single and being vulnerable to others.

Ahhhh, the "he/she’s a Muslim" argument. We have all used this at one time for one reason or another. Surely, it can't be all that bad if two young and innocent Muslims are dating? Actually, it's much worse since both should be fully aware of the consequences of tempting God's advice knowingly.

The Consequences 

Speaking of consequences, what does the Qur’an say about this issue? There are some very strong words used in reference to having sexual relations and deciding not to maintain your chastity knowingly. 

God uses the words transgressor, a sinner, a rejecter of faith, all your good deeds will be in vain, and in the Hereafter you will be with the losers (5:5, 23:7 and 70:31). These descriptions definitely caught my attention too. We are not talking about a simple slap on the hand! 

Allah mentions that all your works will be in vain. After putting these pieces of the puzzle together, the dangers of dating start becoming much more clear. Of course, we know that Allah is Most Merciful and is the acceptor of repentance. 

But why should you bring yourself to the point of having to repent when you have the power to steer clear of the problem from the very beginning? Keep in mind also that the example you set when you date as a Muslim is very damaging since you are supporting something which is against the faith you should be practicing everyday.

What explanation do you give to your little brother, sister, or Muslim friends and youth who are striving along the path of submission with you? What about those non-Muslim friends of yours who get confused from you dating when they've heard that Muslims don't date or have a friend who's Muslim who doesn't date. All it creates is confusion.

When the Right Time Comes...

Where does this leave you? You are a single young and attractive Muslim with your emotions and hormones revving in high gear. All you see around you are images of love, romance, passion and sex. 

Your friends seem to jump from relationship to relationship like a buffet and you wonder if they are beginning to question your sexual orientation. The prospect of waiting to get married feels like a hopeless eternity. You begin to ask yourself why you should have to endure such temptation? The answer is very simple.

Allah has blessed you with the light of Islam while your friends and the rest of the world are dancing helplessly down a dark and dangerous path. God has given you the chance to strive for an everlasting life that radiates with happiness and peace.

Before you begin to feel sorry for yourself, ask yourself if you are willing to trade this awesome blessing for the temporary enjoyment your friends are experiencing? I don't think so. 

Your path is rare and requires you to work hard and strive. You have to demonstrate with your actions and intentions that you are worthy of being a true Muslim. You have to use all your strength, patience and faith to overcome the challenges that are testing your faith in God. 

Passing your test can as simple as avoiding dating and controlling your physical urges. This action may be extremely hard to tolerate and the challenge is difficult, but the outcome is worth every effort. Know that God does not burden you beyond your means. The weaker you feel, the more you are being signaled to pull yourself away from temptation and towards God.

Dating distances you from the soulmate that you're meant to be with. Dont go looking for love. God will bring that special someone to you when you're good and ready.


The beauty of God's system is that He not only rewards you for your efforts in the Hereafter but also showers you with all sorts of rewards in this life for your commitment. God promises a deep and meaningful happiness that is far greater than any temporary romance can ever bring you.

This relationship with God is strong and stays with you forever unlike the short relationships that bring quick pleasure but end in disappointment and emotional pain. For this reason, following the example of a Muslim is a rare and beautiful honor that we should be proud uphold. 

Our example can be a source of inspiration and guidance for our friends. After all, we know that everyone can date easily. But, who can demonstrate the strong character and personality that comes only from a meaningful relationship with Allah?

How can we stay clear of such an attractive temptation that is so common among our circle of friends and community? The best way to avoid a dating situation starts by accepting Allah's advice from the very beginning without any hesitation or doubts. 

This understanding means you leave no doubt in your mind that dating is out of the question for you. If you leave any wiggle room or gray area in your thinking, you will soon find yourself trying to convince your mind that certain aspects of dating are just fine. Before you know it, you are in this blinding cycle that takes control of you. 

The next step is to keep a close eye on your emotional attachments and, what I call "soap opera daydreaming." You may have accepted that dating is not right for you but you may find yourself fantasizing about the perfect relationship, a romantic encounter, or the classic made for television love affair. 

If you are not in a position to get married, it's better to put these thoughts on hold since it makes the process of staying single much harder. Such thoughts can cloud your judgment and can make the smallest encounter appear as the start of a great love story. These romantic affairs and tearjerkers we see in the movies are made to sell tickets and popcorn, not our souls.

Keep in mind that the true love you will experience in marriage is nothing like that dramatic "crush" who dominates your life until he/she evaporates into thin air. When you sense your emotions are running away from you, take a time out for a reality check.

Drop the idea from your mind and analyze the situation as if you are asking God for advice. Know that God is aware of your innermost intentions and that He is the Best Supporter. 

Finally, I must point out that we seem to notice only the positive images of dating. The flip side is often very disappointing and, in some cases, devastating to the emotions.The saying "all good things come to an end" is especially true with dating. 

There is the pain of separation, the feelings of rejection, denial, depression, and dealing with the reality that you shared the most private experiences of your life with someone who is now a stranger to you. Of course, we also have the very likely possibility of unwanted pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases to deal with. I'm pretty sure no one wants to be on an episode of Maury, right?

Life Without Dating

What is the alternative to dating? Believe it or not, there is another world outside dating that is even more rewarding for your soul and your emotional needs. Once you place your trust in God's system, you can see everyone from the filter of true friendship. There will be no pressure to impress others, to change your ways or act differently. 

You can start having many meaningful friendships instead of spending most of your time with only one person. You will experience the beauty of this diversity, the fun of having such different personalities in your life and the blessing of being able to turn to a strong social network in the time of need. These friendships will be there for you and last through times of difficulty.

Most importantly, you not only save emotional energy, you gain even more strength from your friends; strength that you need in your path of submission to Allah.

If you are eager to start a relationship or are finding yourself in a questionable situation now, make your intention clear that you desire only friendship and avoid situations which trigger your physical or emotional urges. Spend your time in larger group settings or in a family environment. 

Avoid one-to-one encounters until you know deep inside that the relationship is clearly friendship. Even then, it's always better to involve your other friends when you want to do something. You know what they say, "the more, the merrier."

If you think you're missing the boat by not dating and that you will never meet that "dream" person, I have some great news for you. Your boat is in perfect condition and is not going anywhere without you. Allah is in control of everything. He knows the best time for you to get married and He has already picked out the perfect mate for you. 

No matter how hard you try on your own or rush the process, you will never find the perfect match that God is waiting to give you.All dating does is drift you further and further apart from the true soulmate Allah has already picked out for you. 

All you need to do is place your trust in God, have patience, and stay firm in your commitment to keep purity of body and mind. Once you are ready to share in the blessing of marriage, you will appreciate why Allah has encouraged you to stay single for such a special occasion.

Update: Staying single in a dating-minded, hookup-oriented world can be tough but there is a way you can be single and happy as a Muslim. There is a great article available which details this from Seeker's Elite. Check it out below.

Comments

  1. Um. I hope you read this so maybe i can understand some things better. I grew up around the Muslim culture and my best friend dates and so does her sister. This year i met a guy. He is muslim and very into the whole if i do something wrong i am going to repent. And he even teaches little kids how speak Arabic and how to read the Quran .he was my tutor now i am a non arab. And we started talking and not talking. In a sexual manner but we said i love you and that kind of thing.and one day we got caught. He was fired and told if he kept in contact with me he would be labeled a sex offender. He is 18 and im 15. I tried talking to him and he said the things we did were against islam. Im confused as to how they are. We.did.not.do.anything. so im wondering if you know. Because i know he is a member of msa at his college. So maybe you can help me let go and movr on

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    1. Hmm, well first off I'll say that I'm no expert on the issue but I can give my best opinion. So I'm guessing this brother taught Arabic/Qur'an at a mosque? There's a few details of your situation that I'm unclear about.

      I feel bad that he was fired and even gone as far as being threatened to be labeled as a sex offender. That's a bit insane. If the environment where you guys met and interacted was a Mosque or an Islamic school then it's territory where management and such will be watching for questionable behavior. The people who caught you two, I feel, are being pretty harsh and they could've just spoke to him and warned him but they just went nuts.

      In Islam any interaction with the opposite sex is risky, ESPECIALLY if you guys are ALONE together in an intimate environment. Islam teaches that if a single man and single woman are alone together, they aren't really alone because Satan is among them, ready to stir feelings up and whisper and try to get you to sin. You may not have done anything physically but getting to the point where you're saying "I Love You" to your tutor and just being attracted to him and flirting is already going too far. It's a gateway to eventually more serious offenses (holding hands, kissing, touching, sex).

      Unless you guys are married, it's not cool. Of course you both are young so mistakes will happen. It may be weird to you since you aren't Muslim and possibly were raised thinking these kinda things aren't a problem. It's the society we live in. Things that weren't okay back in the past are normal now.

      But in Islam they are a problem. And sure you have friends who date who are Muslim, but they aren't following the rules of Islam properly if they are. Nobody's perfect and everyone has weaknesses that they have to work on. This article I wrote pretty clearly states why it's not best to date and essentially for our own good. God knows what's best for people and has a method to follow to go about things properly.

      If you like someone of the opposite sex you have to go about it the right way and that's marriage. If you think you're too young or not ready then stay away until you are. Dating is not the answer and really just muddies things up.

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    2. Don't tell us what to do we can date if we want ok and btw I am a muslim soo yeah

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    3. Suuure~ Nobody's forcing you to do anything! Like seriously, that comment wasn't even needed because you didn't have anybody at gunpoint forbidding you to date, now did you?

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  2. Just to clarify the environment we were in was a high school a normal one in Texas. And he was one of my good friends,i would even go so far as to say he was one of my best friends. And i told him everything. And it has been several months since we had our official goodbye. But it still doesnt feel right it feels like there are still things left unanswered and unexplained. And i still love him. And i know he loves Islam he teaches the little kids how to read the Quran and he some times leads prayer. And i wouldn't want him doing anything hadram by speaking to me again or even having the possibility that we might go back to being friends. And i am still in the same place as i was last time. Not knowing what to do. Help please. I am so confused as to pertaining to Islam and our situation

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    1. What I said before if you read my reply again but let me quote it

      "Unless you guys are married, it's not cool. Of course you both are young so mistakes will happen. It may be weird to you since you aren't Muslim and possibly were raised thinking these kinda things aren't a problem. It's the society we live in. Things that weren't okay back in the past are normal now."

      Young teens are usually more interested in girlfriends/boyfriends for a temporary period of time, then move on to someone else. Islam doesn't approve of this because when you're ready to commit to a relationship it should be for a spouse that you want to spend the rest of your life with. At such a young age, that might not be something you can grasp yet. You want to explore, you want to have fun and be free. It takes maturity and discipline to get to that level.

      In regards to this situation I would like to add that since you have strong feelings for him and aren't feeling closure, again you're still very young and at that age it's easy to get infatuated with people. The best I can tell you is to just better understand what Islam is all about. This boy that you were flirting with may have his own issues he needs to work out so it's best to give him some space. Maybe one day he'll reach out to you, or maybe it's best to just move on. Allah knows best.

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    2. I don't really understand because Islam is telling you that you have to marry a random stranger and spend the rest of your life with them acting akward etc I know that islam is based on intention and fornication is what you are punished for if kissing leads the person to fornication and they think they will do it then they should get married also zina is love and not lust if you love somebody you wouldn't have sex with them before marrige and if you love them and value them you would get to know them first before marrige also you can also say fornication is what you are punished for not kissing or hugging

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  3. Very interesting blog. I agree to you, hope there's a lot of people there that would also learn more on your blog. Keep on posting!

    start dating site

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    1. Thanks a lot Kim. I will definitely keep on churning out articles to the best of my ability. Feel free to share with your friends and spread the word! Like PhilAsify101 on Facebook!

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  4. Man I really enjoyed this . I'm a Muslim and I know that I really like this girl. I want her to technically be my girlfriend. We both are EXTREMELY good kids with good grades and we wouldn't do anything dumb, I am also a very good muslim. I know for a fact I wouldn't have sex until I am married. I wouldn't touch her or really hold her hand, probably just hug her occasionally which isn't sexual at all. We would always have supervision if we were to be "hanging out". So in reality it's just a title. The boyfriend and girlfriend thing. Shouldn't that be allowed?

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    1. Thanks for the comment. My take on what you said echoes what the article said: Why walk that fine line? Why not just take the safer route and pursue her the halal way rather than the iffy way where you're always wondering in the back of your mind if you're doing things right or not. Wondering if Allah will be pleased with the way you're handling things or not? Cause the way Islam is, the option is not "hanging out" with a girl you like, it's marrying the girl to avoid any premarital hanky panky.

      A hug again may seem innocent but it can trigger the need for more contact. Shaitan always wants things to escalate. He wants hangouts with friends to be hangouts alone with the girl, he wants hugs to rush into kisses, he wants kisses to rush into sex. But he gets no satisfaction when that guy and girl are married cause it's all good deeds then. Kissing is suddenly a good deed, touching, holding all of it is not a sin anymore and that'll piss him off but most importantly: YOU WIN!

      If you really like this girl enough to see if she can be your mate then go that route. Ideally, you'd go to her parents and let them know your interest and court her. Get your parents involved, set something up, get to know eachother a little better through talking and if you guys click then don't hesitate and get married.

      Doesn't matter if you're young, still a student and broke because I got married young (21), still a student (college sophomore) and broke (lived with my mom and dad)!

      It wont be completely easy because in this day and age people put obstacles in your way to make it harder (parents, worrying about finances/future etc.) But the sunnah is to marry young!

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    2. I really enjoyed your article. The biggest losers in this dating game are women, many men just date and take attention from them without taking their responsibility of future. Good men will always go the right way by sending proposal and getting married. May Allah guide us !. we should stay from the evils of the western world.

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  5. Not all from the western world are evil!

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  6. Awesome article bro. Getting the perspective of a young person like u on this topic is truly inspiring. I don't feel alone anymore.

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  7. I like this guy and he likes me.His religion doesnt let him date ag a young age.How old do u have to be to start dating

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    1. Im assuming he's Muslim since you posted this on an article regarding to Dating and Muslims. The age for dating shouldn't matter. Ideally he isn't supposed to date in the modern sense at all. If he likes you and you like him then COURTING is the way to go. Courting is getting to know eachother and hanging out to see if you are compatible but with supervision so you don't get into kissing and other intimate things, saving it for marriage.

      If marriage is not on your mind right now but you like this guy, I suggest you just lay off of him and wait until you're older and more mature to come back to thinking about marriage. Dating isn't all that it's cracked up to be.

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    2. Thanks! He is Muslim.That is why i asked

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  8. Why can only males marry non Muslims?
    Seems unfair to me.
    Is the love of a women not the same as a man's?
    Are we not all equals? What's the difference of a man and a women or a christian and a Muslim? Do we not all believe in the same god?

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    1. I'm not a scholar but from what I've learned the main reason is the preservation of the child's faith. Typically, the husband/father would dictate what religion the child should follow and thus if he was a Christian or a Jew and married a Muslim woman, it's highly likely that he'd teach and raise the child up as a Christian or Jew.

      But it's really a lot more complex than that so I'll link you to a website that dives into the questions you had very comprehensively.

      http://www.peopleofsunnah.com/fiqh/rulings/marriage/80.html

      Thanks for commenting.

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    2. Just asking, what if you like decide not to have kids or something?

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    3. I really don't know. Again just based off of my opinion there would just be a clash of faiths when marrying someone from a different religion. A Muslim woman marrying a non-Muslim Male may have difficulties keeping and following her religion. Her husband may want her to eventually convert to his faith, or would want her not to pray, or to stop wearing the headscarf and to serve and pork and alcohol. It'd just be a messy situation for the most part which in general is why most of the time interfaith marriages don't work out.

      I'd check that article out again that I linked because it answers it way better than I could.

      Thanks!

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  9. What happens if we did all this already. Not going sexual but hugging and holding hands. Is there any chance of forgivenes. I'm ready to stop everything. Please help. I dont want to be with the losers in the hereafter

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    1. Of course there is. You must not forget that God is Most Forgiving and Most Merciful. If you are ready to stop everything like you say and turn back to Him and ask for forgiveness, then He will certainly let all of your mistakes in the past go and wipe your slate clean. Pursue a mate using the proper channels. Prepare your heart and mind for marriage and GET MARRIED to someone suitable for you and you can make things right.

      "O my Servants who have transgressed against their souls! Do not despair of the Mercy of Allah: for Allah forgives all sins: for He is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful. Turn to your Lord (in repentance) and bow to His Will, before the Penalty comes upon you: after that you shall not be helped."(Surah Az-Zumar 39:53–54)

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  10. ive met this guy thro social networks and relationships . He is a very decent man but we both are young he is a muslim and so am i . we used to talk back in the days where i stopped talking to him knowing is was wrong and so we never got to hang out. later on he talked to me and i still pushed him away staying im not ready and its too early. this year he talked to me again saying he really likes me and i should give him a chance he has been very nice to me and i dont wanna be rude he says that he understands what im thinking but he wants a chance to prove himself worthy of me yet we still are young. i really like him tho i have never went out with him with is my point shall i or shall i not? i am very strict on this point as i have never "dated" before and so i would really like some advice. thank you

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    1. Hello Sis.

      If you just want my honest advice, tell this boy that if he really wants to prove himself, he should go through the proper channels. Tell him to be a man and contact/talk to your parents if his intentions are to be with you. If he says no or starts backtracking or wanting to keep it just between us, tell him "don't bother" and move on away from him. You say he's Muslim then he should try approaching this the Muslim way. If a Muslim male is interested in a Muslim female, go through the parents and let them know his intentions. Then you guys can meet and have little "halal dates" with your parents aware and present (at a distance) for you two to talk and get to know one another. If you two click, and are mature enough to go all the way, then let your parents know and get moving on to the next step: getting engaged to be married.

      Simple as that. If he wants to pursue intimacy and bf/gf stuff outside of marriage then don't give him a chance. Tell him it's this way or the highway.

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  11. Great post! Even though it wasn't exactly what I was looking for, it did help me out a lot in enforcing what I already believe. Maybe you can answer some of my other questions. I am a 20 year old Muslim female born and raised in America and I STRONGLY believe in the no dating and sexual relations before marriage rule. The thing is I never thought that I would have any problems with this mainly because I am very family oriented and spend 90% of my time around my family. I do go to school and I have been working part time at a call center for the past 2 years. I keep to myself at work which is why I am having a hard time coming to terms with events that have occured recently. There is a Male that has been giving me way too much attention for my liking. I hear from aquaintances at work that he's asked if I'm married and he compliments me by saying you look nice today and never fails to say hello and goodbye when I am comig into work and leaving. I thought those were innocent and would lead to nothing because they have happend before but I was wrong because just a few weeks ago he handed me a note explaining that he thinks I am beautiful and he wants to ask me out but is afraid I will say no and blah blah blah! I was really shocked and asked myself, "what are we in 1st grade writing notes like this?" I initially did not know what to do so I decided to ignore the letter. And that worked for a few days I guess but today he asked me out right if I was married. I consulted with my sisters on the matter and they told me to lie and say I was. I am not a good liar so I just said no. I am afraid the next question will be, "Can I take you out sometime?" Or something of that nature. I honestly don't know what to say. Obviously yes is not an option but I have never thought about how to explain to a non-muslim why I cannot date. Let me just clarify that he and everyone else in the office knows of my faith because I do wear hijab. Also the dreaded non-muslim Valentines day holiday is coming up and my workplace is doing candy and balloon deliveries and co-workers have hinted that he plans on getting them delivered to me and I am just at a loss as to what to do. I feel like I am leading this clueless guy on by not rejecting his advances but at the same time I dont know how to do that. Sorry for the essay length description of my dilemma but I am not good at the whole "long story short" thing.

    Thanks for any advice!

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    1. Whoa. That's a big block of text :p. First off thanks sister for coming across my blog. I haven't written articles in a while but still get comments, likes and views so Alhamdulilah for that and Inshallah bookmark this page and share it with your friends because inshallah really soon I will get back to writing regularly on various topics.

      As for your question and situation. I'm not a scholar or trained in this. I'm just a Muslim writer with my own opinions so that's the best I can give you. Take it or leave it, it's up to you. Here goes:

      You just have to muster up the courage and be blunt with the guy, but nicely. Tell him that you mean no disrespect but that he should stop with the flirting and nudging you because you're Muslim and its part of your faith that you do not flirt and mix with the opposite gender. You have to tell him that plain and simple. No beating around the bush.

      I do have to ask: Are you interested in this person at all? Because then that changes everything. I know of and witnessed many sisters who have been pursued by non-Muslim men and the Man eventually became Muslim -- Not just to be with the girl because that'd be wrong to do but because they were interested in the female, the sister would inform them about Islam, spark their interest and they would wind up truly believing in it and accepting Islam and then marrying that Sister. The flip side is there are others who accept Islam superficially just to marry and be with the sister and that creates long and short term problems.

      You have to remember that whether you like it or not--especially because you wear the hijab openly--you are a Information kiosk for Islam everywhere you go and when the opportunity presents itself, you have to properly--to the best of your ability--explain the religion to those who are ignorant to it. Whether just for their knowledge, for people to respect you or for people to get off your back when you're in an uncomfortable situation like a non-Muslim man persistently trying to pursue you.

      After you do explain yourself to him and politely tell him off, maybe he'll leave you alone. MAYBE he'll be sparked with an interest to go read up about Islam or pick up a Qur'an. Maybe he'll be a gentleman and back off and have a newfound respect for you. Who knows until you tell him and put an end to it. Either way, it's best that you inform him the best that you can and however he takes that information, it's on him.

      Hope that helped.

      Asif

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  12. Haha! I am occasionally accused of word vomit and I was typing on my phone so I didn't think to add spaces between paragraphs; that probably would have made it easier to read lol sorry. I do want to say that I will definitely be reading and sharing your blog Inshallah. Your material includes humor and facts with a side of opinion; its great! I have read a few other posts since I came across this one and I will continue because I do love a great blog.

    Secondly, thanks for the prompt reply. I really thought I wouldn't get a reply fast enough and have to seek answers elsewhere, So I do appreciate that even though you haven't written recently you still reply to your readers.

    I was afraid you'd say that I would have to be blunt but I guess in order to really get him to stop bothering me I eventually must educate him on my faith and why it does not allow meaningless dating. You really did put it in a way that makes it easier for me to explain to him. I know you said its up to him how he takes it but I am worried about his response. If you can't tell already I hate confrontations. In any case, I am willing to say this to get him to understand and if you really think about it, I am doing him a favor. In case he happens to be in this situation again in the future, he'll know how to handle it.

    To answer your question, I am not interested in him. I mean don't get me wrong, he is very nice and sweet and definitely stands out from the general male population because of his personality. I have heard a few negative things about him and his other relationships but who knows if its true or not. I work in a high school like environment where gossip is the main past time. Putting all that aside, other than working at the same place, we have nothing in common. Anytime we do talk, nothing he says sparks my interest.

    I like how you referred to women who wear hijab as "information kiosks." It puts a funny image in my head but it is very much true. But the most I have had to explain to non-muslims over the years is why I wear hijab and the like or why some muslim women do and some don't. I just haven't had the practice of explaining the dating aspect of Islam. And you are very much correct when you say that it puts me in an uncomfortable position! I mean this has been weighing on me for a while. But now I know that I do need to put an end to it and how he reacts shouldn't really affect me at all.

    You have been a really big help and I look forward to reading more of your posts!

    Thanks again!

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    1. Not a problem, Sis!

      And just to add. I know exactly what you mean about the high school like environment of a call center. I worked for two years at a call center during college and I used to joke with friends about the job telling them "It's basically high school with a paycheck."

      Flirts hookups you name it. And yup on the note passing thing. Happened to me their too. Women 10 years older than me proposing one night stands via note passing. Homosexual men passing notes to me as well. It was insanity.

      But yeah, may Allah make it easy for you and don't sweat his reaction. Sometimes we tend to overthink things and picture the worst-case scenario and it stagnates us when really things end up going really smoothly. Happens to me when I had stage fright doing presentations and public speaking and when I would worry about how someone would react to me giving them my two cents. Nine times out of ten things go great or they take it well.

      Peace!

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  13. I am in a place in my life where I don't even know if I'm Muslim anymore. I'm really scared. I am a girl, and I stay in the house all day, and only get out for school. I don't have friends. All I want now is love. I don't know If I'm blinded by the hollywood romance, but I do really want to fall in love, and be with an amazing man. I don't want to be set up in a marrage by my dad. I want to be able to say "this is the man I love and the man I want to spend the rest of my life with". My dad, just wants to marry me off to a random stranger, and he is nost willing to wait until I am ready. He wants me to get married as soon as possible because culturlly, women need to get married at a younge enought age (meaning no more than 30).

    I don't know if my dad choosing my husband will be right. My parents where in an arranged marrage, and their marrage is falling apart. My mom is not happy, and my dad is very controlling. All he wants is for my mom to stay home all day and never work. My mom has a job, but the reason why is because my dad has finacial problems. Even when my mom uses the money to buy herself a new shirt, or skirt my dad complains. I don't want to live like my mom, spening the rest of my life controlled by a man and not having the simple freedom of buying a shirt with her own money that she earned. I want to be equal with my husband. I wany him to respect me, and to acklowlege that I am a woman.

    I don't want to stop believeing my religion. It's I know, but the more I grow, the more I get away from it. The more I age, the more being an athiethis sounds more logical to me, and I don't know what to do. I am really scared. I'm 18 and I need help. I don't have anyone to talk to about this. Both of my parents will probably disown me if I talked about my stuggles with my faith in Allah.

    Any help? Please. I really don't what to do.... also sorry if I had any spelling mistakes.

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    1. Really think someone should have replied to you under the circumstances and predicament that you state yourself to be in but hey better late than never!, I'm also in a similar position to you, maybe not as bad but similar so... yh text me xx . ahaaha jokes but I strongly recommend getting out there and doing shit, the longer your in front of the t.v especially watching western tv will more than likely make you think more about love and therefore drive your hormones like crazy. I'm a 17 year old muslim growing up in Britain and I find it really hard to steer away from attention I dont always want from girls at my college. I mean yh its great girls calling you fit and cute but the only thing I dont like is this thing at the back of my mind (or heart... not sure) that keeps me away. At times like these I just think about education success and then put love at the end of the list always telling myself that my love will surely last after I have established good financial grounds for myself and my family and then I can look for a long lasting relationship. I'v liked this one girl in my college for about 7 years now and she asked me out once when we were younger and I rejected her because I was scared and my parents distanced me from the notion of dating or love that I had no clue what to do. It's more difficult that most people understand growing up in the UK (in my case) or any western state as a muslim especially muslim teenagers. I swear for some weeks all I can think of is birds and the fit tings at my college. I just have to remember that at the end there is love and if what I think is 'my true love' (the girl I'v liked for 7 years) really loves me then she will wait for me. DAMN I wish I could just start up a successfull business and get pee'd up so I can bring her back home to the folks without a problem :P

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  14. What about Nika Mut'ah? I know it's popular among Shiites and Western Muslims (known as Western Islam and sometimes Liberal Islam) What would you say to those people who say that marrying someone just to date them? Do you think a Muslim who rushes into marriage because they want sex or not to be single would have a long lasting marriage without divorce? In other words some one who is not ready for not only marriage but also to be in a relationship shouldn't consider marriage. But that's my opinion. But if they're ok with marrying then divorcing if things don't work out then I guess they could do that. The bad thing is that one pays to get married and pays to get divorced. And then the legal responsibilites of marriage.

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  15. my little cousin is dating and I am extremely worried about her. I fear she will not listen to me because i did explain to her a few times (before she starts dating
    ) that this is forbidden and immoral. How do I proceed...should I tell her mother at least...someone please advise me. I am so angry right now.

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  16. It seems like you may not be active on this blog anymore but I just wanted to tell you that this helped me. Born and raised in the states, I've always been very conservative. I "blossomed" now in my 20s and started my career. I met the potential convert you mentioned. And I've been trying to justify to myself kissing/hugging is not haram. "Where does it say that in the Quran?!". and he even provided a rational that we will never go as far as zinna and therefore kissing would be ok. I've made a conscious decision to get away from this. I hope the wrong I've done doesn't block a blessing of a righteous and good husband (even though I don't think that's how God works).
    pffffff. this is hard.

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    Replies
    1. Hi and thanks for reading my blog. Yes you're right, I haven't been active on this blog lately but I do monitor it and God willing I hope to continue blogging soon once things get less hectic for me.

      You're right (pfffffff) IT IS HARD out there. It's hard out there being a Muslim but the fact of the matter is that we are not immune to society and the problems that come up just because we are Muslim. We have to deal with peer and social pressure, drugs, sex, materialism and all the other problems that exist is this life.

      I'm not a scholar by any means so take my advice with a grain of salt. You made a good decision to get away from this path you were going on with this person you've been seeing. We must not forget that there are external unseen forces around us that are at work. Shaytan and even our own soul are working to break us down and do things we know aren't right. We are at a constant daily war with ourselves, our wants and desires and against the devils influence.

      The devil and our desires want us to rationalize (aka "lie to ourselves") that kissing/hugging is harmless, that we aren't sinning, that if the person I am with converts and we get married, the sinning is justified. We have to remind ourselves of both OUR purpose in this life (We're being tested in this life by God and will be judged by our actions and decision making and will be either rewarded or punished for what we have done) and the purpose of Shaytan (To do whatever it takes for us to fall off so badly in sin that we are punished with Hellfire). Once these two things are understood we can put into place an action plan that will be effective in making us meet our goal and making Shaytan fail in his goal.

      So you were doing right by getting away from the rationale you had. You would also do right by avoiding interactions with this person whom you found yourself developing an intimate relationship with. Potential convert or not, it's a no-no. Avoid interaction, contact whatever. If you want a relationship with a good Muslim man, go through the proper channels, not mingling with a guy hoping he converts. 1) Let your family/friends/community know of your desire to get married and they'll plug you in to potential spouses you can get to know and see compatibility through the halal means. 2) Go to Muslim singles events in your locality and find potential mates that way. 3) Go through a reputable Muslim matchmaking sites like halfourdeen.com. and most of all 4) Pray! Ask God for protection from all of lifes temptations and for God to bring a worthy mate into your life.

      Hope that helps.

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  17. I'm 15 and I am muslim and I just met this guy and he is really really nice, I have the words "I love you" stuck in my throat everytime I see him but I have to push it down. I want to say something to him but my parents are strictly muslim and wouldn't let me do such a thing, even if I hide it. A lot if muslims at my school date nowadays. One other thing I wanted to ask is if tou can be dating someone but not have any sort of physical contact with them as long as you let them know that, that is not what you are into. Thank you!

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  18. Assalamualaikum ya akhi..im just wondering how is your opinion towards my condition.. im living in a country who needs around 10 thousand dollar atleast to get married..it's hard especially for us fresh graduate student with salary just around 1000 per month with tough economic right now to collect that huge amount..im thinking about break up with him but then his father died..i felt so sorry for him and i think ut was a bad idea of leaving him with his situation right now..we never touch each other..my mother know him..but still i felt bad every time going out a date..it fells wrong some how..even though we just going out for lunch..but then we cant get married right now..as his fathers died and he is the eldest one have to take care of his family finance and so on..what should i do actually? Should i just leave him and wait until he's ready financially? Coz it quite hard as he reallt needs me to encourage him and support him at his bad condition right now..i felt guilty and at the same time i felt guilty to Allah too..he knows how i felt right now but he only can said he will marry me about another 2 years..he said that he will respect my decision but still i don't what to do

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  19. Brothers and Sisters,
    In my country it is good to go on one or two dates before getting engaged. I would like to go on a date because, how will I know if this is the man I want to spend my life with. I feel as if it is necessary to go on dates because what if he is not your kismet. It would be better to know them first and obtain mutual feelings first before getting engaged and feeling stuck to that person because you can't leave them anymore. I don't think that going on dates just to find out who someone is, is a problem. Rather I think it is a blessing because Allah knows what will happen, but it regards the path we choose to walk down, we have to go find our kismet in a spouse and not just wait around and get proposed by people we don't even know. I am texting this guy that lives very far away (in my country) and I only saw him once during summer on my vacation. A few months ago he added me on facebook and I knew it was him, because that night (in summer) that I saw him I feel in love with him. I didn't know him or his name and he didn't know me or my name. He said that it was funny how Allah sent him here on my profile. Now I'm waiting to see him again, and to see on a dae if he is my kismet.

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  20. Listen to your heart and you'll be fine

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  21. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

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  22. Thank you for all of this information! I recently went out to dinner with an old friend of mine that I haven't seen in 10 years. He picked me up at my house paid for dinner, we went to a cafe after and continued to talk and then he took me home and asked if he could see me again and I said yes. After what I would call "our date" he's been pretty distant. Before our date we were texting everyday until then. He is Muslim and Practices this religion as well as his whole family. I am non muslim and just now learning about this religion and I did ask him questions about it in person. I'm just wondering after us going out and getting to know each other, is this him starting to court me? and is it normal for a Muslim man not to follow up or have much contact after getting to know you? He said he had a good time he was glad it went well and wanted to see me again but I find it weird we're not communicating a lot after.

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  23. Hello. About 2 months ago I got caught by my parents with a guy I've been with for around 4 months. I feel really bad about it but at the same time I have strong feelings for him. We're very young and I know what we did was wrong and I try to repent to Allah as much as I can. We got really close. Since we got caught he cut off all communications with me and I know that it's the right thing to do. His mom is a teacher at my school and my mom went to her and they had a talk. I thought my feelings will begin to fade but they're not and they're so strong. I just want your opinion on the matter than you

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  24. I am revert. Lately I'm getting frustrated as I have found someone but I am in no position to marry. I'm starting to question the big deal regarding just being with someone. I mean, I like someone, they like me we have a connection it seems the whole marriage thing is a bit extreme in terms of that being the only way to be together. It just causes more hassle because of the worry of not being able to support financially at the moment. But I have to stop myself from having a natural instinct towards someone and loving them and being happy just because I can't pay their bills at this point in time. I. Don't. Get. It.

    I see millions of people who are in long committed relationships who aren't married and who are just living together. Which I'm my mind is questioning the saying " a halal relationship never works"

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  25. I'm a Muslim girl entering highschool and it's a whole new world. I don't want to get caught up in the dunia and do the wrong things but it's a bit difficult.

    You would think that a girl who wears hijab would get a bit more respect and the guys would back off. Wrong. They don't care! No matter how many times i explain to them the reason why I can't date or play around with them like any other normal boy and girl would ,they just dont understand.

    The bad thing is that I feel like I'm getting sucked into this madness. In my head I begin to justify and validate some things that I did which I know are wrong. This is a cry out for help!!! What should I do? How do I stop myself from getting caught up into all this craziness?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Honestly, there is no way to stop this. It all depends on you and the will that Allah has given you. I am male so I cannot completely relate but I can tell you this. This madness isn't going to stop. I am sorry for being brutally honest but it isn't the truth. One thing you might want to consider doing is telling your school counselors what is happening. My best friend, who is female, has had this problem. She talked to her counselor who thankfully understood and somehow managed to put her in all female classes. It doesn't have to be a counselor, just somebody. I don't know you. You have no idea who I am. As one of my sisters, I care for you I am sure you wouldn't trust me. Do not take to the internet to ask for solutions. Ask, friends, family, whoever you trust. This is all the advice I can give.

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  26. 1 thnk I'm confused about is...islamic pple r so mch effective about life partner and follow that they must not hve any relationship with the opposite sex b4 marriage unless they are willing to stay together for the rest of their life but why does the islamic guy hve so mch wives???if they relly luv(so called true love) their own wife then why should they marry 3/4 wives?????����is that a true love for them??

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  27. Hi. I read your article and it was very interesting. But, in today's modern society, it is considered "weird" to ask someone to marry them without actually having an intimate relationship with the person first. And, distancing yourself from the person you "crush on", could make them move away from you too and then you lose them as a friend and a partner. As a Muslim, I am always taught to trust in Allah and that he will guide me. But, I can't deny that I'm worried that if I don't pursue the relationship, I will never find out if she is that special someone. I would love to here your thoughts on what I have said. Please respond ASAP. Thank you in advance.

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    Replies
    1. Sorry for the late reply. Muslims aren't perfect (me included). What I laid out in the article is what should be done but again since we're imperfect, we may not be able to follow it perfectly and that's why we pray to God for guidance, help and forgiveness and try to do the right thing as much as possible.

      You can pursue the relationship, there's just a right way to go about it. Letting the person know your intentions to get to know her and wanting her as a potential mate/wife (NOT a gf). Asking to meet her parents if possible. Meeting and talking with eachother in safe settings where you wont end up having sex and getting intimate.

      Easier said than done but as Muslims we have to strive and TRY to do that right thing.

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  28. Hey! You got a very nice article. It was really well written and very interesting that i couldn't do anything but to keep on reading. i am really inspired and looking forward to stuffs like this. After some effort to figure this dating thing for my self i also came across some useful articles that worth reading. follow the link bellow to explore the best out from it. Donn't thank me; what are friends for? you are my Muslim fellow after all.

    DATING IN ISLAM (is it Haram or Halal?)
    https://islamstuffs.wordpress.com/2017/01/06/the-truth-about-dating-in-islam-halal-or-haram/

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  29. i started dating a Muslim , including having relations. Now he wants to not have relations for at least 90 days so we can get to know each other better. Is this a practice in Muslim faith?

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    1. That's not a practice of the Muslim faith, that is a Muslim man feeling guilty that he is doing something he shouldn't be doing.

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  30. Hi. I am currently dating a boy. I am Muslim and he is not. U explained to him I can not do any kissing or sexual things. We just hug. Is that still a sin or not? Could you please help me out because I have been searching for an answer but can't find one or if you could give me your opinion it would mean a lot. Thank you.

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    Replies
    1. Yes it's a sin. Again we Muslims aren't perfect. We are built to make mistakes and screw up. We have to try as much as we can to do the right thing. You may think a hug is innocent but in Islam it says to not follow the footsteps of Shaytan. A hug could eventually lead to a kiss, a kiss could lead to clothes coming off and sex eventually. It may not be happening now but it COULD happen and Shaytan definitely wants it to happen and its more likely to happen when you two meet alone. The hadith that Shaytan is there when a man/boy and woman/girl are alone, he's the third party.

      As a Muslim girl I would advise you not to meet the boy in private. If you have an interest in him, let it be known, don't hide it (parents must know). If you're too young to get married, avoid the relationship. If you are serious and feel you are mature, have a conversation with your parents about it. That may seem scary but it's better than making mistakes down the road and hiding your struggles.

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