Personal Journey

• Early influences and education: His interest was sparked by personal difficulties and cultural awkwardness encountered during his own search for a spouse. His extensive work as a chaplain, where relationship issues were the most common concern, further directed him toward this field. He holds a master’s degree and is currently pursuing a PhD focused on Muslim marriage.

• Role of Islamic faith in career choices: His faith is central, emphasizing the Islamic principles of consultation (shura), community over individualism, and the goal of strengthening Muslim families. He frames marriage as a communal, religious obligation rather than a purely individual pursuit.

• Challenges faced as a Muslim professional: Navigating deeply ingrained cultural issues (e.g., tribalism, racism, colorism) within Muslim communities that conflict with Islamic ideals. He also addresses the challenges of working in a taboo area where gender mixing is often stigmatized.

• Key turning points and decisions: The recurring question from community members—”Do you do matchmaking?”—and observing the profound need for ethical, personalized services led him to expand from officiating and coaching into full-service matchmaking.

Industry Deep Dive

• Current role and responsibilities: He provides multi-tiered services: 1) Officiating tailored, intimate wedding ceremonies; 2) Coaching via structured assessments and sessions covering finances, in-laws, and intimacy; 3) Educational seminars for mosques and universities; 4) Developing a concierge matchmaking service that includes family involvement and rigorous vetting.

• Corporate ethics discussion: The discussion focuses on community and industry ethics rather than corporate ethics. He critiques the “fast-food” approach of some community services, the lack of preparation for lifelong marriage, and the pitfalls of commodified dating apps.

• Specific cases of corporate misconduct in their field: Not applicable to this service-oriented, community-based field. The ethical concerns raised are about community practices: prolonged unmarried relationships due to family obstruction, un-vetted matchmaking services, and apps potentially facilitating deception.

• How Muslim professionals can navigate ethical dilemmas: Prioritize intentionality, thorough vetting, and family/community involvement. Professionals should decolonize mindsets from tribalism and racism, focus on Islamic identity, and guide clients to differentiate between “wants” and “needs.”

Resources and Advice Segment

• Essential resources for aspiring professionals:

  • Books: “The Five Love Languages” by Dr. Gary Chapman; “What I Wish I Knew Before I Got Married.”

  • Research: Materials from the Gottman Institute; academic papers via Google Scholar.

  • Self-Work: The foremost resource is working on oneself—emotionally, spiritually, and mentally—before seeking a partner.

• Mentorship opportunities: He highlights the importance of having multiple mentors for different areas of life and knowledge. He names Dr. Hatem al-Hajj, Imam Suhaib Webb, and Dr. Ingrid Mattson as key influences.

• Organizations supporting Muslim professionals: He cites positive examples within the niche: HalfOurDeen (Baba Ali), Muzmatch (Shahzad Younas), and UK-based matchmaker Naseem.

• Practical advice for industry newcomers: Be passionate and strive for ihsan (excellence). For those seeking a spouse: abandon rigid “checklists” and the notion of “not settling”; understand you will always compromise on something, so prioritize character and deen.

Accountability Focus

• Ways to advocate for corporate accountability: Advocacy is for community accountability: educating against colorism, tribalism, and colonial mentalities; promoting family involvement and proper vetting in matchmaking.

• Alternative ethical options within the industry: Advocates for personalized, concierge services that verify credentials, involve families, and provide coaching over impersonal apps or rushed, transactional community matchmaking.

Closing Reflections

• Final advice from guest: Be wary of AI and deepfakes in the modern search for a spouse, which increases the risk of deception and underscores the need for trusted, human-led matchmaking services that verify identities and backgrounds.

• Contact Information to reach guest speaker: Website: HalalLoveJourney.com. For the pre-launch of the concierge matchmaking service, use the “Contact Us” form on the website.

• Call to action for listeners: Sign up early for the matchmaking service pre-launch to avoid future waitlists. Work on self-improvement and decolonize personal and communal mindsets regarding marriage.