The Last Word

The dispersion of Muslims to various parts of the world because of various factors has also brought about a change in their lifestyle. As part of age-old tradition, Muslims have arranged marriages within their community through relatives, friends or matchmakers who have helped in finding a suitable, compatible spouse. Till now, that is.

The dispersion of Muslim families in this modern era has made it more and more difficult for community members to find people they know and trust. For second-generation Muslims settled in Europe or the United States, the scope for finding spouses in one's own locality is extremely limited. Out of this compulsion rather than choice, many Muslim families have embraced the Internet to look for prospective spouses. What was a taboo only sometime ago, online dating, or more correctly matrimonial sites, have become the latest tool in the oldest practice of an ancient faith.

As a result, Muslim online dating sites have mushroomed in all parts of the world and their popularity is on the rise. It cannot be denied that many Muslims still prefer a traditional marriage; but at the same time, they now crave for more choice. Many Muslim women living in the United States or Europe also often want careers. Internet makes things a lot easier for them.

Unlike in most other dating sites, parents or guardians often play a key role for their children or wards in Muslim online dating sites. One often comes across women's ads posted by a parent or close relative like mother and sister. Even a close friend sometimes fills this place.

These are nothing but signals transmitted to counterparts searching for spouses on behalf of their charges. And if a mother posts a profile, it usually draws the attraction of another parent going through these profiles. In the process, they succeed in easing the barrier for getting in touch with that person. Some people also make it clear at the very beginning that the women who were contacting them must have a guardian.

Muslim parents at least want to be partially involved in choosing spouses for their children. They believe that such involvement will help strengthen the bond between the couple and lessen the chances of divorce.

All said and done, online dating/matrimonial has come here to stay. Just look at the number of online dating sites that has come up in the Muslim world and all your doubts will be removed. Both choice and compulsion have been responsible for this great change in the thinking process of the present generation Muslims.

Muslim online sites are now helping men and women meet other singles in a relaxed, easy online environment. Muslim men and women are now enjoying chat rooms, message boards, photo galleries and much more. These sites have become a platform for creating relationships varying from companionship to friendship, romance to marriage.