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PODCAST

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

society & culture relationships

All Episodes

63:15

Masculinity in Crisis: Between Toxic and Weak w/ Dr....

Diary of a Matchmaker ·

2025/09/12

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 built on false expectations. In this conversation with Dr. Omar Husain, we confront the uncomfortable truths about masculinity in Islam. Men are challenged to stop outsourcing their growth and step into real responsibility. Women are pushed to look beyond s...

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32:12

The Talking Stage: How Long Is Too Long?

Diary of a Matchmaker ·

2025/09/05

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 talking cross the line from intentional to wasted time? We explore why so many get stuck, the signs it has gone on too long, and how to know when it’s time to move forward or move on. If you’ve ever felt trapped in endless conversations with no clarity, this...

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40:56

Awkward Talks: Childbirth Before Marriage

Diary of a Matchmaker ·

2025/08/29

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 relationship. In this episode, we chat with certified doula Hebaa Rizeq about why pregnancy prep isn’t just a “married women’s issue.” From faith-meets-science insights to the overlooked role of men in birth, this conversation breaks taboos in the best way. If you’re si...

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28:27

How Our Naivety Almost Killed Our Business

Diary of a Matchmaker ·

2025/08/22

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 wasn’t bad matches but unready hearts. What looked like dream opportunities often ended with hesitation, doubt, or a belief that something better might come along. In this episode, we share the mistakes that nearly sank us, the turning point that reshaped ...

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53:54

How to Master Conflict Before Marriage? w/ Kamela Salimi

Diary of a Matchmaker ·

2025/08/15

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 couples therapy and how singles can prepare before saying “I do.” We unpack Dr. John Gottman’s “Four Horsemen” and their antidotes, explore how Islam offers built-in tools for emotional regulation long before therapy named them, and reveal why "freedom from ...

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26:54

Where To Meet Single Muslims Beyond The Algorithm?

Diary of a Matchmaker ·

2025/08/08

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 your digital presence, we share practical ways to rethink where and how you show up. It's not about being everywhere, it's about being in the right places and being intentional. Whether you're feeling stuck or just getting started, this episode helps yo...

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26:19

Marrying in 2025: Here's What We'd Do Differently

Diary of a Matchmaker ·

2025/08/01

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 blind spots we didn’t see coming, the mindset shifts we wish we had earlier, and the biggest lessons we now pass on to our clients. Whether you're single, searching, or simply curious, this one’s for you. We’re saying all the things we wish someone had told us b...

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0:23

Quick Update!

Diary of a Matchmaker ·

2025/07/25

Got a dilemma or story? The Single Muslim Hotline is here for you! We’ll play your anonymous messages in future episodes and offer real talk. Drop us a voice note 👇🏻 https://www.speakpipe.com/DiaryOfAMatchmaker

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21:38

Five Signs You're Not Ready For Marriage

Diary of a Matchmaker ·

2025/07/18

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 quietly showing up in how you think, react, and relate? After years of matchmaking and nearly six years of marriage ourselves, we have seen subtle patterns that reveal more than any checklist. In this episode, we share five overlooked signs of unprepar...

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33:06

Nine Green Flags You’re Probably Ignoring

Diary of a Matchmaker ·

2025/07/11

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 apologizing without a "but" to the ability to disagree without drama, we share nine underrated traits that matter way more than height or income. If you are tired of matching and mismatching for all the wrong reasons, this one is for you. It might just change ho...

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45:35

Why Disability Is a Dealbreaker for Most People? w/...

Diary of a Matchmaker ·

2025/07/04

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 it means to marry with a disability. From confident conversations with her future husband to surprising acceptance from her in-laws, Rabia's journey breaks barriers and stereotypes. This episode asks you to listen a little closer, not just for inspirati...

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62:14

Can a Strong Independent Woman Be a Wife? w/ Hafsa Taher

Diary of a Matchmaker ·

2025/06/27

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 unpack why checklists might be ruining your love life, how success can clash with surrender, and what healthy partnership really looks like. And brothers, if a woman’s success intimidates you, this one might just shift how you see strength, love, and le...

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32:41

Unfiltered Reflections From Our Living Room

Diary of a Matchmaker ·

2025/06/20

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, cultural differences, and everything in between. If you’re single and wondering what actually matters in a marriage, beyond the lists and bios, this is for you. Real talk, real lessons, and maybe a few surprises that’ll shift how you think about compatibility and c...

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30:17

Considering Marrying a Convert? Listen First w/ Aiah...

Diary of a Matchmaker ·

2025/06/13

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. We dig into what converts should know before getting married, what born Muslims and their parents often overlook, and how communities can do better. Whether you're a convert, marrying one, or just curious, this episode is packed with honesty, empathy, and practic...

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55:28

Financial Habits Every Single Should Know w/ Jesse...

Diary of a Matchmaker ·

2025/06/06

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 how that money’s made. Spoiler: halal income beats a fat paycheck every time. Jesse drops gems like the $10K question, halal mortgage hacks, and why men need to own their provider role while recognizing the reality of dual incomes today. Plus, his top tip? Start s...

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53:17

The Productivity Shift Every Single Needs w/ Mohammed...

Diary of a Matchmaker ·

2025/05/30

🚨 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? We sat down with Muhammed Faris, founder of Productive Muslim, and the conversation honestly blew us away. He unpacks what productivity actually means for single Muslims, and it’s not what you think. We talk about shifting from hustle to heart. From scarcity to

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35:24

Forget Small Talk: Try This Instead!

Diary of a Matchmaker ·

2025/05/25

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 connection without killing the vibe. These aren’t your typical icebreakers. One minute you’re ranking your top values, the next you’re arguing (respectfully!) over whether a $3,000 mattress is worth the splurge. And in the process, you’re learning how some...

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27:25

Ghosting: The Breakup You Never Saw Coming

Diary of a Matchmaker ·

2025/05/16

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 micro-ghosted because he couldn’t be honest, while Hiba shares the pain of being left hanging. We break down why ghosting happens so much in Muslim courting, why silence feels “easier,” and what Islam says about honest communication. Been ghosted or don...

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32:14

Istikhara Myths That Need To Go

Diary of a Matchmaker ·

2025/05/09

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 ghosted with a religious excuse). Today we’re breaking down what istikhara is really about: seeking goodness from Allah, not outsourcing your decisions. We’re busting myths and sharing real stories from our matchmaking experiences where istikhara was misused...

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28:14

When Can a Father’s Wilayah Be Taken Away?

Diary of a Matchmaker ·

2025/05/02

What do you do when your dad turns into a one-man dating app filter… and swipes left on everyone? In this episode we’re talking about something major: when your father’s wilayah (guardianship) can actually be removed. Yep, it’s a thing, and it’s not taken lightly. We’re diving into real stories, like the woman who aged out of her prime while her parents waited for Mr. Perfect Ethnic Match, and another whose mom basically ran the rejection department. We break down what wilayah is really suppo...

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95 results

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