Concept of halal matchmaking and dating services for Muslim marriage: halal criteria from fatwa perspective

Sugimoto, Kyoichiro and Muflih, Betania Kartika (2025) Concept of halal matchmaking and dating services for Muslim marriage: halal criteria from fatwa perspective. Journal of Fatwa Management and Research, 30 (2). pp. 80-101. ISSN 2232-1047 E-ISSN 0127-8886

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Abstract

Nowadays, halal matchmaking and dating services, including halal online dating and halal speed dating, have been widely introduced in both Muslim and non-Muslim countries. A halal matchmaking and dating service is an emerging concept that addresses the contemporary and unique needs of Muslims seeking to form marital relationships while considering cultural and religious sensitivities. Previous studies have highlighted various Muslim needs regarding halal matchmaking and dating services. However, it remains unclear what criteria these services must meet in order to consider halal. Therefore, this study aims to identify the criteria that would make matchmaking and dating service halal. By doing so, it seeks to propose a framework for certifying halal matchmaking and dating services. The research employed library and online research methods, utilizing the web. It explored independent scholarly sites (journals) and general websites, including official fatwa websites, applying the Boolean Search Model based on logical operators (AND logic). Qualitative document analysis and thematic analysis were used to concisely summarize fatwa explanations and to perform coding and category construction to uncover criteria or themes. The study identified five criteria for matchmaking and dating services to be considered halal: 1) halal spouse, 2) intention for marriage, 3) personally identifiable information kept confidential, 4) meetings attended by a chaperone, such as a wali, mahram, matchmaker, or held in a public place to prevent zina, khalwa, and ikhtilat, 5) moral conduct with respect and honesty. It was also found that halal matchmaking and dating services are synonymous with arranging ta’aruf (introduction to know each other) opportunities for Muslim marriage and play a role in facilitating halal dating opportunities while connecting the ta’aruf stage to the khitbah stage.

Item Type:	Article (Journal)
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Halal, Matchmaking, Dating, Fatwa
Subjects:	BPH Islamic Economics > BPH111.4 Halal issues. Fatawa
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button):	International Institute for Halal Research and Training (INHART)
Depositing User:	Dr Betania Kartika Muflih
Date Deposited:	09 Jul 2025 09:23
Last Modified:	09 Jul 2025 09:23
URI:	http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/121988

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