Examining Gen Z’s Approach to Marriage in the Muslim Community
Times have changed; Gen Z is on the dating scene; Muslim women are advertising themselves to men on dating apps—but how do Gen Z American Muslims approach marriage? Do they still believe in it? And if so, do they still let their parents find suitors for them?
With the rise of dating apps and changes in societal norms, the pressure to balance religious values with what their friends are doing puts Gen Z Muslims in a bit of a situation.
After all, how does one go about dating in a world where the idea of arranged marriage might be deemed old-fashioned by our friends despite our own personal beliefs?
Add to the mix parents exerting pressure on their sons and daughters to go along with their suitor of choice because they haven’t changed their views on marriage and it’s one big conundrum.
In this article, we’ll take a look at the issues facing Gen Z Muslims when it comes to marriage and how they’re handling it.
Do Young Muslims Believe in Marriage?
Early marriages have always been recommended for Muslims. There are many reasons for this, not least of which are chasteness and health.
But things have changed. Young non-Muslims are enjoying healthy relationships without feeling the need to rush into marriage, with their Gen Z Muslim friends watching on.
Older generations, who are more likely to disapprove of delaying marriage, don’t need to fear too much, though.
While early marriages might have lost their attraction among Gen Z Muslims living in such a western country as America, where they have the freedom to go to college, get part-time jobs, and even go on dates, they still believe in marriage itself. They want to one day find a suitor and get married, as proscribed by their religion.
It’s just that in 2024, the way they go about finding a suitor and getting married is a lot different to the way their parents did things.
How Dating Has Changed Gen Z’s Approach to Marriage in the Muslim Community: 8 Out of 10 Muslims Use Dating Platforms
Gen Z’s approach to marriage in the Muslim community might look a lot different from how their parents approached marriage, but their belief in marriage is still strong.
Yes, Gen Z Muslims go on dates (which it’s highly unlikely their parents did), with 8 out of 10 Muslims saying they use dating platforms.
But while Gen Z Muslims have hit the dating scene, they’re not looking for something casual, as many non-Muslims are.
Instead, Gen Z Muslims, no longer prepared to sit around and wait for their mom or their rishta aunty to play the role of matchmaker, are taking things into their own hands, using dating platforms specifically to find a life partner.
Gen Z Muslims can also find potential suitors outside of dating platforms through other online channels including social media and even streaming platforms like YouTube and Twitch.
Halal Dating
Okay, so Gen Z Muslims are open to marriage, as well as taking a different pathway to get there (namely, dating).
But wait a minute—what does Islam have to say about dating? And does Gen Z still keep things halal?
Islam, of course, prohibits many aspects of “dating” that westerners adhere to, especially sex before marriage. It sort of suggests that Muslims aren’t even supposed to see their spouses before they marry them.
Dating is also largely a western thing, and it’s a phrase—and a concept—that older Muslims continue to reject.
So why are so many young Muslims dating in a bid to find love?
For a start, as highly respected Islamic scholar Ismail Menk points out, though, Islam doesn’t put a limit on love. Muslims should be able to find love however they prefer.
Moreover, for Gen Z Muslims, the way around this is to label it Halal dating, which basically means they go on dates without doing anything prohibited by Islam, such as sex before marriage.
It also means understanding what you want, telling your parents, and going on dates in a public setting. This means not going back to their place afterwards.
Less Than 3% of Muslim Daters Worry About Being Scammed Online: The Rise in Halal Dating Apps
Halal dating apps are a thing. In fact, they’re extremely popular among Gen Z Muslims who want to be able to date, find their own life partners, and enjoy the freedom to swipe left or right.
These apps include Muzz, which is one of the US’s most established Muslim dating apps; Muzmatch and Salams (formerly Minder).
Some, such as Muzmatch, make a point of reminding their users that they need to maintain Islamic etiquette at all times. Others, such as Salam, have had to go through an entire rebrand to ensure that their community sticks to - shall we say - their best behaviour.
It seems to be working. Not only are under 3% of users concerned that they might meet someone with underhand intentions, just 3% are worried about being scammed (a far lower number than those who use mainstream dating apps like Tinder).
The apps are used by young Muslims seeking a life partner, who are willing to go on a variety of “dates” until they meet the One (no matter how many times their grandmother asks - without any kind of restraint - when they’ll be tying the knot with someone).
Final Thoughts
Gen Z Muslims in America are open to the idea of marriage. They’re less inclined to let their parents or aunties play matchmaker, though, and are ready to use dating platforms and apps to meet someone.
However, they’re just as keen to approach marriage similarly to their parents. They prefer halal dating to “regular dating,” and use halal dating apps that keep things on the level.
In 2024, there’s a massive pool of potential suitors. Whether Gen Z meets the love of their life at college, online, or even at a bar, they’ll go at their own pace until they meet their future husband or wife.
