One of my favourite things as a coach for single Muslim women over 30 s when I get that message saying "Guess what? I'm getting married!". I literally happy dance around the room!!

Today I want to share with you the story of Maariyah* (please note her name has been changed for privacy purposes as requested).

I was really inspired by how Maariyah was able to step away from her checklist and be guided by her heart and by Allah swt towards a man who is caring, honest and accepted her daughter as his own.

1) How did you meet him?

I met my husband through his cousin who I randomly met through Facebook one day and who lives near me. Meeting someone through someone that knows both of you, your pasts, issues, etc made a huge difference for me!

2) What made him different from other people you had met?

He is honest, caring, doesn't play games, very family oriented, loves me without conditions and loves my daughter as his own, is strong in faith without being critical or belittling (most men would treat me like I knew nothing because I'm a revert...he is open to learning from me too), helps with things and does so willingly without the "That's a woman's place/job" mentality, and doesn't let others come between us no matter what.

3)Looking back, what was different about your mindset that helped you to recognise & receive the right person for you?

I placed all of my trust in Allah and stayed open minded. My husband actually had many things I considered issues before (not a US citizen or resident, 11 years younger, I am his first for everything, lives in another country, language barriers, etc). But his cousin had only wonderful things to say about him, so I said bismillah and prayed istikarah from the very beginning. We started talking March 15th and were married on July30th. I had also done a lot of work to get over much of the things haunting me from my past! It was less than 5 months, but when things are right you just know! 

4)What did you learn in your coaching journey that would help other sisters who are currently feeling stuck and drained in their search?

Focus on your relationship with yourself and Allah! Allah knows what we need and when we need it. I never would have thought I would have someone in my life that loves me this way, but anything is possible with Allah! Before I met my husband I was honestly thought "I guess I will meet my husband in jannah , because I'm not finding him here!", but Allah knew better. Take a risk, ignore the negativity from others, and keep things private. I only told around 5 people that I truly trust about him until we were engaged, because I didn't want shaitaan and bad thoughts from others affecting my judgement. Trust your gut, don't be afraid to step outside the box and ask the hard questions from the beginning, and InshaAllah you will be guided to only the best!

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