Hulu’s “Muslim Matchmaker” is a refreshing quest for faith and love

I never thought I’d hear the phrase “cheating to convert” or “halal haram ratio” in mainstream American television series.

Muslim matchmakeran aptly named reality show streamed on Hulu takes an internal look at the challenges of navigating the dating scene while still remaining true to your faith. To counter the “swipe culture” cultivated on dating apps, matchmakers Hoda Abrahim and Yasmin Elhady ventures have been working to connect people with potential soulmates on the three-month rules, for three months. I’ll talk for a month. And ask 300 questions before you say yes or no to someone.

In eight episodes, participants explore everything from cultural norms and stigma to religious compatibility with potential spouses. Ensures the ideal of align: “halal” (or tolerated) and “halam” (or prohibited). This series, produced by Meralta Films in collaboration with ABC News Studios, is the brainchild of Indian Matchmaking creator Smriti Mundhra.

“The success of Indian matchmaking and then Jewish matchmaking revealed that there was a real universality in the quest for dating, but also the idiosyncraticity of different communities and different communities. It was clear that there was an interest in it. Culture is coming closer to that,” Mundra told me in an interview. “I wanted to pursue more and see other lenses that explored this subject.”

Personally, I don’t tend to have an appetite on reality TV (the word “reality” feels too stretchy for my taste), but I’m a Muslim matchmaker in two sit-ins We chatted. I was drawn to the diversity of participants and personality. Dating app age And mainly as my own American Muslim, the struggle to balance faith and culture and find someone who matches those values. I also appreciated the candid discussion about the stigma surrounding the divorce and age gap. This is rooted in culture rather than Islam, but weighs heavily on second-generation Muslim Americans who worry about what their parents think about suitors.

Perhaps most importantly, Muslim matchmakers offer a refreshing alternative to so many mainstream portrayals of Islam. Thankfully, It’s slowly changing As more shows and films become more diverse, as well as casting, the writers’ rooms become more diverse. Tapping consultant In Ensure accuracy. I noticed this evolution in shows like this Marvelwe are female parts and rammy. (Even episodes from the final season of The Crown accurately portrayed Islamic funeral prayers). Muslim matchmakers, including the Muslim crew behind the scenes, will be added to the roster of authentic expressions.

The show’s creators say they spent months with participants who were not only persuasive and authentic on-screen, but also able to represent age, culture, geographical region, ethnicity and level of religious observance.

Senain Kheshgi, executive producer of the series, says he understands firsthand the importance of showing the diversity of Islam and its followers.

“We’re very panoply. We come from so many different cultures, so 1 Muslims, and we really wanted to share it with the world, Keshgi said.

And Keshugi pointed out that since many of the cast and crew were Muslims, they stopped during filming for prayer breaks if necessary. (Muslims pray five times a day, from early morning to evening.)

Tahira Neira Dean, lawyer I write about Muslim dating and marriage – And who is my friend, said that on a show about Muslim matchmaking, she was nervous at first, “I didn’t act well enough,” but she did it well and funny That’s what I felt.

“We were usually scared to watch Muslims on TV, so we were very easily labeled and stereotyped, so we were very nervous about what would happen.” She said. “It seems to be doing a good job with representatives and it can make a difference for young Muslims who are struggling to feel good about themselves.”

reference: Hollywood is slowly working to correct misrepresentation among Muslims for decades

Mundhra and Kheshgi emphasize that Muslim matchmakers are intended to be relevant and enjoyable for people of all faiths and backgrounds. For example, Mundhra is not a Muslim, but says that he felt drawn into the themes and lessons explored in the show.

“I think there’s a lot to really grasp, just like I did, people from all different backgrounds really love and embrace matchmaking in India.” she said.

And, as Kheshgi adds, “Love is universal.”

Shows, especially reality shows, encourage mixed reactions. Since the Muslim matchmaker debuted, I have been scrutinizing the internet for general reactions, but from what I have seen, they have mostly leaned forward (my friends have never seen before) At the same time, he only said good things. However, discourses from viewers who do not feel the show are always discourses from participants who do not like their opinions or beliefs or the way they are portrayed.

Mundhra says “it’s a course par that there will be feedback and some responses,” and she welcomes people who share those ideas and perspectives.

“When it’s very rare to see yourself being expressed or culture being expressed, what’s there doesn’t cover every aspect, or every aspect of a community or a particular experience When it comes to pain, it’s easy,” she pointed out. However, she said, “It would be impossible for any of these shows to cover all dimensions of Muslim experience, Indian experience, Jewish experience. LL is a part of Muslim life and culture. Sparks five shows that allow you to explore more aspects in a variety of ways.”

So is the second season of Muslim matchmakers on the horizon?

“It’s just Inshara (God willing),” Keshgi said, “I hope there’s a season 2.”