Diary of a Matchmaker

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...

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 ...

🚨 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.
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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 ...

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 w...

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...

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 rej...

Misyar marriage—halal but hotly debated. In this episode, we break down what it actually is, why some people turn to it, and why scholars aren’t exactly cheering it on. Think: waived rights, complicated intentions, and a whole lot of ethical gray area. We cover everything from divorced moms looking for companionship to men using it as a loophole—and why that’s a problem. With shifting gender roles and evolving needs, Misyar is beco...

What happens when a student catches feelings... for her professor? And what if he feels the same but can't say a word until the semester ends? This isn't your average love story. It’s a journey shaped by quiet moments, bold choices, and some family drama that challenged what they thought love would look like.  Now 25 years in, they're sharing how it all started and what kept them going.

This episode is for every Musli...

"I wish she gave me more attention.. Why do I have to beg for intimacy?.. Maybe I should consider a second wife!" 

Today we're unpacking a trend we’re seeing more often: men considering polygamy, and women actually open to it. While polygamy is part of our faith, it’s not a free pass for avoiding deeper issues in a marriage. 

We also talk about the practical side: the legal messiness of polygamy in the West (it’s actua...

In this episode, we’re diving into the world of halal courting with the incredible Lama Aboubakr, a relationship coach who specializes in helping Muslims attract the right person they truly deserve. Let’s face it—sometimes, past experiences and old patterns can hold us back from finding the fulfilling relationship we long for. But Lama’s here to show us how to break free from those cycles and shift our mindset.

Lama shares powerful ...

"Muslim Matchmaker" is making waves, and we’re diving deep into it. In this episode, we break down whether the show hits or misses when it comes to Islamic courtship. Does it reflect our values, or are there some glaring mismatches? We chat about the show's ideas and how it stacks up against other matchmaking shows. Does the flashy aesthetic add anything meaningful, or is it just for the 'gram?

Our conversation g...

Starting over after a breakup or divorce? We know it’s not easy, but you’re not alone. In this episode, we sit down with therapist Sarah Sultan to talk about what it really takes to heal, grow, and move forward with confidence.

We discuss how to recognize red flags you might have missed the first time around and how to rebuild your self-worth so you’re not carrying past baggage into something new. We also cover the importance of fin...

If you’ve ever downloaded a Muslim 'dating' app full of hope, only to find yourself drowning in awkward chats, ghosting, and people who don’t seem to know why they’re there… we get it. It’s exhausting.

In this episode, we’re talking about the real struggles of apps; the disappointments, the confusion, and the moments that make you want to delete them forever. We’re also sharing tips on how to navigate them in a way that ac...

Today we're spilling the tea on how social media is turning our brains into mush when it comes to marriage expectations. From scrolling through picture-perfect weddings to comparing our own love lives to influencer highlight reels. We’ve all been there, feeling FOMO because your friend’s husband just bought her a Ferrari, while you’re getting excited about a new couch. Whether you’re married or still in the "single and sc...

In this episode, we’re diving into the classic “I have a career, but I’m not paying for anything” dilemma. You know, the one where women are out here making bank, but somehow, it’s still all on the man to cover the bills. We’re keeping it real and exploring the balance (or lack thereof) between having a career and contributing to the household financially. We’re not here to judge. Just a little honest chat with a side of humor to k...

In this episode, we’re joined by Habeeb Akande, a sex educator and Muslim erotologist, to challenge outdated views on intimacy in Islam. He’s here to remind us of the true Islamic teachings on relationships. Think consent, mutual respect, and yes, female pleasure, and how cultural norms and misinformation have twisted our understanding of intimacy.

We also dive into how to read religious teachings the right way, without getting stuc...

What does it mean to lead in a marriage? For men, it’s not about being bossy; it’s about responsibility, humility, and knowing when to step up. For women, it’s about recognizing those qualities before you commit.

In this episode, we explore the Prophet's leadership in his family and how it sets the gold standard for modern Muslim marriages. We’ll talk about what real leadership looks like, beyond the big speeches and fancy word...

In this episode, we dive into the awkward, and sometimes painful journey of figuring that out. From emotional maturity to basic life skills (yes, knowing how to cook counts), we’re keeping it real and relatable. Spoiler: If you think ‘romantic’ means sending memes at 2 a.m., you might want to tune in. We’re sharing stories, tips, and a few laughs to help you level up for the marriage game. Let’s find out if you’re ready to say ‘I d...