Dating is still linked to its Western origins, which implies underlying expectations of sexual interactions — if not an outright premarital sexual relationship — which Islamic texts prohibit. But Islam does not forbid love.

What is halal love in Islam?

One way that some young Muslim couples are rebutting the idea of dating being offensive is by terming it halal dating. Halal refers to something permissible within Islam. Getting to know someone and making the informed decision to marry them is not an alien concept in Islamic societies.

Is marriage required in Islam?

In Islamic law (sharia), marriage (nikāḥ نکاح) is a legal and social contract between two individuals. Marriage is an act of Islam and is strongly recommended. Polygyny is permitted in Islam under some conditions, but polyandry is forbidden.