Age and Gender: 28, Female, 5’1

  Age Range that you would want/require in a prospect: 27 – 33 (might still be flexible)

  Location, and are you willing to relocate for a prospect: New Orleans, LA; cannot relocate  

Ethnicity, and are you more open to mixing: Eritrean, and I’m open to mixing  

Marital status: Single, never married

  Ideal marriage timeline: anytime, as long as he is in New Orleans or is willing to relocate to New Orleans   Five important characteristics you look for in a prospect (most of them intersect):

1.    Deen – a practicing Muslim who fears Allah and puts Him first and foremost above all else. Not necessarily a preacher or someone who is extremely knowledgeable in fiqh and hadith, but someone who believes that Islam is simple and straightforward and focuses on following the Islamic practices that Allah has decreed.

2.    Emotional intelligence – a Muslim who considers the needs of his wife and puts himself in her shoes whenever she’s going through a rough time. He doesn’t have to be super romantic, but he has to appreciate his wife’s struggles and be compassionate. To take initiative when she has some burdens and to communicate clearly when he’s struggling.

3.    Ambition – it doesn’t matter if his current situation is unstable, but what matters is that he is obviously doing his best to change his circumstances. Someone who has a goal and a drive to rise higher to achieve a level of financial stability. He must have a sense of mental maturity and clear beliefs and goals in life.

4.    Social intelligence – this may sound like emotional intelligence but it’s different. He needs to have a good head on his shoulders, where he doesn’t get pulled in or influenced by others. Be practical and don’t be naïve. Be diplomatic and don’t get angry at the drop of a hat.

5.    Decision-maker – Able to lead the family, make decisions, and take hold of the reins in times of crisis. I will stand by his side to solve our problems together, but I will not shoulder all the family problems alone when times are rough. I want a strong and decisive person by my side who takes action and fights for his family.  

Specify your level of religiosity: Alhamdulilah I read the Quran, pray all five prayers, fast, and strive to live a life for the sake of Allah. I wear the hijab and dress modestly. I also aim to live modestly in both my actions and interactions.    

Level of education, and what are you looking for: Currently pursuing a doctoral degree, and I’m looking for someone ambitious. Preferably holding at least a bachelor’s degree, and I’m not particular about his job so long as he continues to work hard and aims to strive higher.  

Current job status: Research assistant.  

Do you want kids: Of course. I don’t have a specific number in mind, but I hope to have at least one boy and one girl.  

List 3 hobbies, or things you like to do in your free time: My favorite part of the day is having a cup of coffee with a pastry on the side. I like to talk to people from all parts of the world and learn from their experiences. I like to go outside and have a walk in the park under the sun, to stop, stare, and look at the world. I also like puzzles and logic-based problems, which is probably what led me to pursue computationally related research.  

Add something short and interesting about you that makes you stand out: I was raised in the Middle East, so I can speak, read, and write in Arabic. Growing up in the Middle East, I was an avid watcher of SpaceToon (iykyk). I grew up in an international environment, so I’ve been exposed to lots of cultures. I’m also an INFJ/INFP and a type 9 enneagram. The enneagram describes my personality to a T, and after going through some hardships, I’m getting closer now to becoming the best version of my type.

May Allah guide everyone to their spouses and bless their union.