Introduction

Most Indonesian Muslim youth are interested in finding their marriage partner through the practice of ta’aruf, traditionally viewed as an Islamic approach to selecting a spouse, a substitute for the secular practice of pacaran (dating). With digitalization permeating everyday Indonesian life, the emergence of multiple smartphone applications has transformed ta’aruf into an online activity. However, this transition to halal online dating extends beyond Indonesia and Southeast Asia, representing a phenomenon observed in Muslim societies globally. Examples of popular halal online dating services include Muzmatch, prevalent in the UK and Bangladesh, and Salam Swipe from Canada. These platforms, with their varied features, are reshaping Muslim identity vis-a-vis the evolving dynamics of balancing inherited familial Islamic traditions with the need for adapting new values through the reinterpretation of Islamic sources. These digital platforms allow young Muslims to navigate the delicate balance of adhering to Islamic orthodoxy while engaging with the realities of contemporary life, especially in the area of Islamic courtship which occasionally generates tensions.

There are two key factors that have driven the emergence of halal online dating. The first is the rise of global capitalism, resulting in the changing global economic landscape and the growth of digital technology. The global interconnectedness between international corporations, national corporations, and state adaptation policy prompts practices like ta’aruf to align with global economic trends (Castells 2007, 2010). The impact on developing countries is particularly significant. As international and national corporations expand their capital, economically marginalized people find themselves facing increasing uncertainty (Standing 2011). In response, many individuals turn towards religious knowledge as a form of escape and a guidepost for life's journey. Simultaneously, they view religion as a source of solidarity, a mobilizing force referred to by some scholars as Islamic populism that rallies individuals against perceived enemies in the name of Islam (Hadiz 2016; Hikmawan 2022). Digital technology and media platforms connect individuals with shared beliefs and anxieties, connecting them across global, societal, communal and personal domains (Lim 2017). Responding to the demand for match-making applications, various religious traditions have proposed similar platforms that incorporate religious teachings for users (Nisa 2021, p. 233; Pasha 2015).