Quote Originally Posted by Al-khiyal View Post
w/salam, ya Serenity,

Practimate is 'closed' according to a quick search, and the other link you've added here is not to that site. I'll have to delete it - it's a log-in to 'discoverhimonline.com' - whatever that is.

I think my own views on 'online partner hunting' are well known by now.

I think people have to be mentally deficient, gullible, totally ignorant of the level of deceit and abuse online, and completely lacking in any sense of self-protection to engage in such activity. And I really am not joking when I say that. It's the predatory in search of the gullible, and often a 'racket' when it comes to fee-charging websites - some of which are swarming with professional scammers. For every 10 'happy ending' stories anyone wants to come up with - there are thousands and thousands of tales of deceit, abuse and even graver crimes.


Bismillah

I happen to be checking out some links mentioning the programs I am involved in, and I came across this thread. I hope you all don't mind, but I felt compelled to reply - since my name was mentioned

First of all, Practimate is alive and well, it's just taken a different path - because we started to create websites with the names reflecting the service or product - in other words, to make things more clear. Our main website hasn't been revamped yet, but will be doing soon so there is no confusion

As for our current program "DiscoverHimOnline," I wanted to make something VERY VERY clear:

I, or my team, would never promote online dating, or anything that is in violation of the shari'ah, may Allah protect us all.

I have to admit it can be a bit frustrating when someone makes a sweeping judgment about something without taking the time to see what the program (or anything is) all about. But I think this was done out of a sincere desire to protect others from the frightening stories we are hearing about in the online world (although there are just as many in the "on-site" world too..)

BECAUSE the online world is so dangerous, we took it upon ourselves to create a program to HELP sisters stay safe. The fact of the matter is - online matrimonial websites (for marriage, not dating) are growing in the conservative, and practicing groups of Muslims the west included. It's not about promoting an idea, it's about seeing reality, and wanting to provide training for what is.

We are not promoting something haram, shady, but rather offering guidance on how to use these programs, which websites to stay away from, how to involve your mahram at ALL steps of the way, what mistakes to avoid, and so forth. It's all on the website if you want to learn more.

The reason I wanted to reply was because I would be sad that someone sees these comments, and then just dismisses alot of hard work and research simply because they didn't take the time to see what this is all about.

Muslims need to be supportive, and patient to see what programs and trainings are taking place. For years now, Muslims have turned to websites that aren't from an Islamic perspective for guidance and training, and this is fine, because wisdom is wisdom

But I think most Muslims would enjoy being able to listen to programs from an Islamic perspective, where the Shari'ah and the rulings and regulations are being upheld as well.

Personally, it would be nice if someone could take the time, in the future, before passing such opinionated judgments, to research and see what is going on. And from there, make an informed and educated decision about what is being promoted.

I appreciate the space to share this, because it is really important to me that no one misunderstands our mission.

Jazakum Allahu Khairan,

Megan