American Muslims increasingly turn to dating apps and matchmaking shows to find partners, reflecting evolving traditions and cultural dynamics.

New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani met his wife on Hinge, a popular dating app, sparking conversations about how many American Muslims are finding partners through similar modern methods [1]. Nura Maznavi, a self-described "sucker for romance" and co-editor of books on Muslim love and relationships, shared how she met her husband online more than 14 years ago, before platforms like Hinge became common. She said the experience made her feel “less of a loser” in her dating journey [1].

Mamdani’s story is highlighted alongside the Hulu show “Muslim Matchmaker,” which explores the diverse ways American Muslims meet potential spouses—ranging from traditional introductions through family and friends to contemporary approaches like online dating [1]. The show features matchmakers who guide couples through a process involving three in-person meetings within three months and 300 compatibility questions. These interactions reveal the emotional spectrum of searching for love—excitement, uncertainty, and, at times, heartbreak [1].

American Muslims navigate the search for marriage partners while balancing religious beliefs, cultural expectations, and varying degrees of religious observance. On the show, participants express preferences such as the importance of daily prayers, modesty in dress, and shared Islamic values, while also seeking companionship that allows for personal expression and fun [1]. The matchmakers also consider what they call the “halal-haram ratio,” which assesses how well a couple’s religious and cultural lifestyles align [1].

The debate over terminology—such as whether to call it “dating” or “courting”—also features prominently in the show. Some Muslim viewers have objected to the use of the term “dating,” seeing it as associated with premarital physical relationships. The show’s producers emphasize that their depiction is about searching for love within Islamic values [1]. Islamic tradition prohibits physical intimacy before marriage, and scholars like Kaiser Aslam, a Muslim chaplain, advocate for accountability measures such as chaperones and public meetings when getting to know a potential partner [1].

Cultural diversity among American Muslims adds another layer to the discussion. Aslam noted that young Muslims are increasingly finding partners from different ethnic backgrounds, which can lead to disagreements over traditions—such as who pays for the wedding or how to celebrate religious holidays. These cultural differences, he said, are not necessarily rooted in religion but can involve underlying racial biases [1].

Tahirah Nailah Dean, a Black and Latina attorney and writer on Muslim relationships, shared her own dating experiences, including navigating racial preferences and biases. She said some potential partners sought to marry within their own culture and ethnicity, making it difficult for her to find a compatible match [1]. Her experiences reflect broader discussions about racial dynamics in dating, not only within Muslim communities but across society.

According to a Pew Research Center 2023-2024 study, 60% of U.S. Muslim adults said religion was “very important” in their lives, a figure close to that of U.S. Christians [1]. This suggests that while Muslims may differ in how they practice their faith, religion plays a significant role in many aspects of their lives—including marriage.

As American Muslims continue to explore both traditional and modern methods of finding partners, the landscape of Muslim dating is evolving. With apps, matchmaking shows, and community introductions, the quest for love among Muslims is as complex and dynamic as the community itself [1].

Source: [1] Zohran Mamdani met his wife on Hinge. Many American muslims meet their marriage partners in similar ways (https://fortune.com/2025/08/18/zohran-mamdani-wife-met-on-hinge-muslim-dating-apps/)