What's it like to be Muslim in the dating game in NZ?

  • 16/04/2018

For the Muslim community in New Zealand, dating comes with a complex set of rules.

The rules around dating involve not just two people, but the entire community - and they rule out things like body contact. 

As The Project found out, dates must take place in public, and there are complications when it comes to falling in love with a non-Muslim.

But while Tinder flings are frowned upon, there are plenty of apps like Minder, Muzzmatch, and Nikah Explorer.

So how easy is it to date in a secular, Western society while still staying loyal to your religious beliefs?

The Project spoke to Muslim matchmaker Adnan Altaf, who said there's a wide spectrum of daters - from the less conservative people who go out alone, to the more conservative who use a chaperone.

Mr Altaf said holding hands is a no-no, but he prefers not to have anyone watching over him.

"It's not chaperoned, but it's also not physical," he said.

He said the Muslim apps aren't much different to Tinder and Bumble, but they're growing more slowly within the community.

This week is Dating Week on The Project, and the show will be continuing to explore how different communities approach dating in New Zealand.

Newshub.