Gender, Matrimonial Websites, and Islamic Societies

Abstract

In Islamic societies, engaging in friendships or romantic relationships with the opposite gender prior to marriage is forbidden according to Islam. As a result, Muslims are increasingly turning to an unconventional medium to find spouses—the matrimonial website. Given that little literature is available on this emerging form of courtship, which differs substantially from Western‐style online dating, this entry focuses on gender and matrimonial websites. In particular, it examines gender differences in terms of the impressions Muslim users intend to form when constructing their profiles on matrimonial websites and the characteristics these male and female users seek in their potential spouses.