Finding a rishta, without waiting for the phone to ring.
For many South Asian Muslim families, marriage starts with a rishta — a proposal introduced through family and friends. Zawaj keeps the heart of that tradition, family involvement and a serious intention, while giving you a much wider circle to search.
Aunties, biodatas and the family meeting.
“Rishta” is the Urdu and Hindi word for a connection or relationship, and in everyday use it means a marriage proposal or potential match. The traditional process is familiar to most Pakistani, Indian and Bangladeshi families: a relative or rishta aunty suggests someone, biodatas and photos are swapped, the families speak, and eventually there is a visit — often with plenty of tea and nervous small talk.
When it works, it works well. Families know each other, values are often shared, and everyone feels part of the decision. That is why so many people still want their parents involved, even when they search online.
Why the traditional route doesn’t always deliver.
Ask anyone who has been through a few rishta meetings and you will hear similar stories. The pool can be small — the same few families, the same community, the same city. The pressure can be intense, especially as people get older. And sometimes the conversation focuses more on job titles, height, complexion or which biraderi or caste a family belongs to than on character and deen.
Islam teaches that deen and good character come first when choosing a spouse. Many young British, American and European Muslims want exactly that, while still respecting their parents and their culture. An app can help you meet people you would never have been introduced to, on the basis of what actually matters to you.
A rishta app that keeps your family in the loop.
Bring your parents in
Get to know someone first, then involve your family or wali when it is serious. See our guide to involving your wali.
A wider circle
Search beyond your local community by practice, sect, background, location and openness to relocating.
Serious intentions
A proposal on Zawaj means marriage is on the table. Verification and reporting tools help keep it that way.
From first message to the family visit.
Write a profile that sounds like you, not a biodata — our guide on writing a good marriage profile helps. Talk about the big things early: deen, family expectations, where you would live and how soon you hope to marry. When it feels right, tell your parents and arrange for the families to meet, just as you would with any rishta.
If your parents are new to the idea of finding a rishta online, our parents’ guide is a good thing to share with them.
More for rishta seekers.
See how Zawaj works in the UK, Pakistan and India, read about Muslim matrimony on Zawaj, or browse our articles in Urdu on the Urdu blog.
Common questions.
What does “rishta” mean?
Rishta is an Urdu and Hindi word for a relationship or connection. In the context of marriage it means a proposal or a potential match, usually introduced through family.
Can I use Zawaj to find a rishta?
Yes. Zawaj is a marriage app, so everyone is looking for nikah. You can get to know someone yourself and involve your parents when the time is right.
Will my parents be involved?
As much as you want. Many members tell their parents about a match early, while others bring in their family or wali once a conversation is serious.
Is Zawaj only for Pakistani or Indian Muslims?
No. Zawaj is for Muslims of every background, but you can filter by background if finding someone from a similar culture matters to you and your family.
Find your rishta the halal way.
Download Zawaj free — with your family involved as much as you want.
