Falsehearted: A Muslimah's Pen, #2

By Gabriela Martin PhD

A Muslimah's Pen: Falsehearted is a compilation of women's shared experiences as they navigate online dating, matchmaking, blind dates, and/or the Muslim dating scene. Muslimah go into the forbidden world of "dating"; hoping to find a halal relationship that will lead to a husband. More often than not, all they find is deception and disappointment. A few Muslimah sisters have offered to share their personal stories as a tool to help other women not become victims of the same predatory ploys that are often used by unscrupulous men.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Gabriela Martin PhD
• Release date: Jun 5, 2021
• ISBN: 9798201481957

Gabriela Martin PhD

Dr. Gabriela Martin was born in Mexico and raised in both the United States and Mexico. She received her education in the United States. She has undergraduate and graduate degrees in Special Education. She has a doctorate in Metaphysical Humanistic Studies. Dr. Martin is a Reiki Master/Teacher, Associate Practitioner NLP, Certified Holistic Life Coach, Holistic Health Practitioner, and an ordained non-denominational minister. She spent 23 years teaching and helping at-risk youth. Before retiring, her last teaching assignment was at an off-reservation Native American boarding school. She is a revert Muslimah. She enjoys traveling & has been fortunate to have been able to visit many countries in South America, Central America, Europe, Asia, the Middle East & North America. She has two adult children, her most significant accomplishments, and a wonder-dog, Lola. She enjoys Cricut crafts, all things literary, movies, exploring new places, discovering new authors & uncovering relics. She is easy to spot with her pink laptop in tow. In all things, she praises and gives unconditional gratitude to her Creator, Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala, for HIS many blessings.

Book preview

CONTENTS

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Putting together a compilation of women’s shared experiences is never an easy task-putting together a collection of Muslimah's private journeys is even more difficult. We are a silent class. I want to thank every single woman who shared her story with me. You have been braver than brave. Without you, I would not have been able to put this book together. Hopefully, our shared endeavor will serve as a tool to help other women not become victims.

I also want to thank my children Spencer and Sophia. Sergeant Spencer and college freshman Sophia, to be exact. You two have been highly positive and supportive of my endeavors. I love you both very much, and you both remain my most extraordinary creations. May Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala bless you both, my loves.

"And among HIS Signs is this, that Allah created for you mates from among yourselves, that you may dwell in tranquility with them, and HE has put love and mercy between your [hearts]: verily in that are Signs for those who reflect."

~Qur’an 30:21

1 INTRODUCTION

Bismillah Al-Rahman Al-Raheem. I give all praise and glory to Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala.

For those of you, who are new to the world of Islam, traditionally, we are neither allowed nor encouraged to date (using the standard definition for dating used in the West). We may seek arranged marriages via matchmaking services, our Imams, friends, family members, etc. There are no dinner dates, no movie dates, no getting to know you dates. The use of BIO DATAs is highly encouraged. BIO DATAs is the equivalent of dating resumes (your demographics, what you are seeking, etc.). Matchmakers, Imams, parents, and friends use the BIO DATAs. We pass them around like trading cards, seriously. It is a Are we compatible? Do we meet each other’s minimum requirements (on paper)? We can always get to know each other AFTER we are married. process. This type of marriage has worked and continues to work well for many Muslims. However, it also is less than ideal for some.

I am a revert (convert for those of you that are not familiar with the term). I, like many other women, could not see myself committing to any man without knowing him. I just could not imagine marrying a stranger. I found the thought to be along the lines of Sleeping with the Enemy. When I decided that I seriously wanted to look for a Muslim husband, I found myself in a dilemma. I live in an area with close to no Muslims (do you see my problem?). I am the only Muslim in my family. I knew I was not going to be able to meet any Muslim brothers locally. My only real options were going to be via the good old Internet. I decided to use an online Muslim dating site, Muslimo (name changed), and join several FB Muslim marriage groups.