Introduction: A Noble Goal and Modern Risks
Seeking a righteous life partner for Nikah (Islamic marriage) is one of the most noble goals in a Muslim’s life. In the digital age, specialized online platforms like NikahPlus have become essential tools for Muslims striving to build a family in accordance with Sharia. However, like any field involving high intentions and trust, online dating carries significant risks. Unfortunately, the growth in users has led to increased activity by those whose goal is not family creation, but financial gain.
Scams on dating sites, especially in the context of seeking Nikah, represent a serious threat. They not only deprive a person of funds but also undermine trust and discredit the very idea of marriage. The goal of this article is to provide Muslims with clear guidelines and practical advice based on Islamic ethics and common sense, so they can protect their intentions, their funds, and their future from dishonest individuals.
Nikah as a Covenant, Not a Financial Transaction: An Islamic View on Deception
Nikah in Islam is not just a contract, but a Mithaq Ghaliz (a solemn, weighty covenant) concluded between a man and a woman in the presence of their guardians and witnesses. It is based on mutual trust, sincerity of intention, and readiness for a life together. Any actions aimed at deception, manipulation, or unlawful appropriation of another’s property are strictly forbidden in Islam.
The contrast between sincere intention and financial manipulation is obvious. A person seeking a righteous life partner focuses on religiosity, character, family, and compatibility, rather than immediate financial gain.
Why You Should Not Give Money Before Nikah in Islam: Financial Inviolability
In accordance with Sharia, all financial obligations of a man toward a woman begin after the conclusion of the Nikah. Requests for financial assistance, gifts, or money transfers prior to a personal meeting and official marriage have no basis in either Islam or common sense.
For clarity, let’s compare signs of sincere intention versus scamming:
| Sign of Sincere Intention | Sign of a Scam (Red Flag) |
|---|---|
| ✅ Willingness to involve family and guardians. | 🚩 Insisting on secret communication, avoiding family. |
| ✅ Prioritizing personal meetings and acquaintance. | 🚩 Constant excuses as to why a meeting is impossible. |
| ✅ Discussing Mahr and maintenance after Nikah. | 🚩 Requests for money for “urgent needs” before Nikah. |
| ✅ Calmly accepting a refusal or delay. | 🚩 Pressure, resentment, attempts to trigger guilt. |
Typical Scam Schemes: How Scammers Extort Funds
Scammers constantly refine their methods, but most schemes boil down to playing on emotions, religious feelings, and the potential spouse’s sense of responsibility. Besides classic “requests for help,” other common tactics exist:
- “Urgent help” for documents or tickets: The scammer creates an image of a victim of circumstances who urgently needs a small amount to solve a critical problem preventing the Nikah. This could be paying for a passport, visa, or buying a ticket for the meeting.
- “Maintenance before marriage” and playing on pity: Citing a difficult financial situation and requesting regular support because she is “waiting” for her husband and cannot work.
- “Investments in the future” (Crypto/Forex scam): Offering a “profitable” joint project through phishing platforms.
- “Helping relatives”: Exploiting compassion through invented illnesses of loved ones.
- “Hidden costs”: Paying commissions to intermediaries or “security deposits.”
Real Case Analysis: Red Flags When Searching for a Muslim Wife
A NikahPlus user encountered a classic example of a scam: a woman first asked for money to process a passport, and when the man tried to postpone the Nikah for six months, she immediately switched to trying to move him toward regular financial maintenance.
In this case, the following Red Flags were identified:
- Demanding money before the Nikah.
- Playing on pity and applying pressure.
- A negative reaction to refusal.
Conclusion: Attempting to get a man to provide maintenance before Nikah is a scam scenario that must be stopped immediately.
5 Safety Rules for a Muslim Seeking Nikah Online
- Financial Inviolability: Never transfer money online before the Nikah.
- Family Involvement: A real Nikah requires the participation of a Wali (guardian).
- Insist on a Personal Meeting: Use video calls and plan an in-person meeting.
- Evaluate Behavior: Pay attention to pressure and haste.
- Verify Information: Use the site’s tools and ask direct questions.
Conclusion: Protecting Intentions and Relying on Allah
The search for a life partner is a test. Remember that Tawakkul (reliance on Allah) does not eliminate the need to take reasonable precautions. May Allah grant you a righteous life partner.
