A Muslim is at liberty to love anyone and even proceed to marry him or her. This is anchored in Islamic faith whereby people are encouraged to love and extend this love to all creation by Allah. The rules are only meant to protect those involved from hurting and also ensure that the society is not dysfunctional. This is why relationships, engagement, premarital contact and marriage are strictly guided.
The Quran does not restrict partners or a couple on where they should meet or who to fall in love with. These restrictions were prominent in traditional societies because people lived together. Courtship was easier because families knew the behaviors and characters of others through close monitoring. Courtships would also happen in full glare of everyone.
Online meeting for Muslims is gaining traction because people no longer live together and also want to make personal choices regarding the people they love. The internet also allows one to get in touch with people who are in distant countries. However, this does not meant that the rules have been suspended. They are followed as religiously as if it is the traditional society. This is good for the partners and society at large.
The main principle guiding courtship for a Muslim is to keep away from private spaces when alone with your potential partner. Being in a secluded place alone gives room for temptations that might lead you to sex. When you meet online, you must still not organize a session where you will be alone. In case elders in your life discover that this has happened, the courtship will be annulled.
Traditional societies have chaperons to watch over courting couples. Today, this might not be possible. Dating sites for Muslims organize group activities involving friends, families and age mates, among others. Since the activities are held outdoor, you have a chance to interact in dignity. Kissing is not even allowed until you are married. Any compromising activities will cause your engagement to be broken or disapproved.
Halal dating is the new version that is approved by clerics around the world. You are allowed to keep in contact with your target partner through the phone or via the internet. Even introduction by parents and relatives is allowed. Once you feel compatible and decide to spend your life together, you will sign a nikah, a contract that is just as binding as the marriage certificate.
Do not mistake courtship in Islam to be devoid of love and emotions. There are enough opportunities for the couple to make up their mind about each other. They are only restricted from private interactions before marriage to protect them from being hurt as well as protect the society from broken marriages. Whether you meet online or in real life, you must adhere to the principle of separation till marriage.
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