Thursday, November 3, 2011

The modern Middle East and Internet Dating


Arab weddings in the Middle East are usually still based on the deep rooted traditions according to the rules of the Islamic faith. As a rule, a couple has had very little contact before the marriage, because dating like the Western world understands it is forbidden.
In some areas, gender segregation in general makes it very difficult for men and women to actually meet up and although relationships are sometimes developed through work related contact, these occasions are rare and are usually frowned upon, although parents often relent if a real commitment to each other by the couple is apparent and they are deemed to be of similar status.
In Muslim communities around the world, but in particular in Middle East countries, where Islam is the prevailing religion, dating is purely reserved as a means to begin to know a future husband or wife.
Couples even in arranged marriages, which are quite common, but not necessarily the rule, are given an opportunity to meet and learn things about each other, but usually under close supervision of their families. This is done to keep the couple from being tempted by physical desires for each other, as pre-marital sex is absolutely not acceptable.
While some traditions have remained in place, the Arab world as a whole has undergone a transformation and has become much more modernised in many ways. The use of the latest technologies is at its peak and the Internet in particular has become a major part of everyday life.
This has, in turn, made a positive difference to young people in their search for a potential spouse. The Internet and Muslim dating sites are a perfect way for them to meet and speak to potential partners without actually meeting them in person.
This opportunity allows them much more time to determine how well they are suited to one another without their families objecting to the communication. Because there is no possibility of physical contact until they eventually meet in person, even the most faithful, traditional families rarely have a problem with this interaction.
Even here family approval will be sought first of all and parents are often sitting in at least during the first couple of conversations. Internet dating through sites like Alnaddy is becoming a most popular way of meeting and enjoying the company of future husbands and wives.



Where before the modernization of the Arab world young couples hardly knew each other by the time their wedding date arrived, they now have time to become properly acquainted.

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