• The woman’s honor and chastity remains intact, and the suitor will have more respect for her. If you are very firm on not communicating without the presence of your Wali, believe me, this will scare off half of the candidates and leave you with a much better pool to select from.

• The woman is not misled by the statements and promises of someone she knows nothing about. Many people grossly exaggerate in their profiles and it takes real investigation to sift through everything

• InshaAllah, she will have married a brother with whom she is truly compatible.

So please, no matter how tempting, do not engage in conversations or courting via the internet, or otherwise without the presence of your Wali. If you do not currently have one, contact the Masjid of which you are a member.

Once you actually settle on a brother, the final step is to make Istikharah. This is a special duah where you ask Allah to make this a reality if it is good for your deen, and beneficial to your life in this world, and in the hereafter. However, if this particular brother is someone who is not good for your deen, and will not benefit you here and in the hereafter, then do not let this come to fruition, and make you content with Allah’s decree. InshaAllah, after doing everything mentioned above, Allah will bless you with a righteous husband.

Next Installment- Part II: Secrets of Longevity- How to maintain a happy marriage