Where Muslims meet

For Kaosara and Ridwan, love wasn’t about blending in, it was about standing out. As proud Nigerian Muslims who found love through Muzz, they built profiles that celebrated their faith, culture, and authenticity. This Black History Month, we speak with them about how they represented their roots on the app. Their love story reminds us that embracing your roots is the real secret to finding a love that lasts.

As we celebrate Black History Month in the UK, what does being both Black and Muslim mean to you in the context of your love story?

Kaosara:To me, being Black and Muslim is a beautiful blend of strength, faith, and identity. It means celebrating our culture while staying grounded in Islam. In our love story, it represents unity where our shared values and experiences shape how we love and grow together.

Ridwan:Being Black and Muslim means carrying a double heritage of pride and purpose. It’s about knowing who we are, embracing our roots, and using that as a foundation for our relationship. Our love story isn’t just about two people meeting; it’s about faith connecting two worlds and proving that love rooted in Islam and culture can flourish anywhere.

We have an event in London coming up for Black History Month, curated solely for Black Muslims from the app to connect in real life. What advice or tips would you give to those who are nervous about meeting someone in real life, especially if they’ve never spoken to them before?

Kaosara:Firstly, pray before attending. Then, see it as an opportunity to connect and network with like-minded people rather than putting pressure on yourself to “find someone.” Be open-minded, enjoy the moment, and let your values and personality shine naturally.

Ridwan:I would say, go with good intentions and a clear mind. Be genuine, be respectful, and keep things halal. Sometimes, a simple smile or conversation can spark something meaningful. Just trust the process and be yourself.

When you were building your Muzz profiles, did you feel proud to represent yourself as Black and Nigerian Muslim? How did you showcase this?

Kaosara: Yes, I did. I was very proud to represent who I am. I made sure my profile reflected that by clearly including details about my tribe, state of origin, and religion. I wanted anyone viewing my profile to see that I am a proud Black Nigerian Muslim woman.

RidwanAbsolutely. I wanted my profile to reflect both my faith and my roots. I was intentional about showing that I’m a proud Yoruba Muslim man from Nigeria who values culture, family, and deen. I believe that being transparent about where you come from helps attract the right person, someone who appreciates your identity, not just your profile picture.

What advice would you give to other Black Muslims using Muzz who are looking for their life partner?

Kaosara:Be honest with yourself and with what you put on your profile. Be open-minded, allow yourself to be loved, and don’t rush the process. The right person will come along at the right time.

Ridwan:Be sincere in your intentions. Use Muzz as a means, not a miracle. Allah is the real connector. Be patient, make du’a, and don’t let rejections shake your self-worth. The right person will come with peace, not pressure.

Did your heritage and culture influence what you shared on your profile or how you presented yourself?

Kaosara:Absolutely. As a well-cultured Yoruba Muslim woman, I understand that my appearance and presentation say a lot about who I am and the kind of people I attract. So I was intentional about depicting my values; modesty, faith, and respect through my photos and profile details.

Ridwan:Definitely. Our culture teaches humility, respect, purpose and values that align with Islam. When I built my profile, I wanted it to speak to those principles. It wasn’t about perfection; it was about authenticity. I shared things that showed I was serious about faith and meaningful companionship, not just casual interaction.

How have you embraced your heritage within your marriage, and why is that important to you?

Kaosara:We’ve embraced our heritage through our beliefs, values, perspectives, and cultural practices. It’s important because it forms the foundation of the kind of home we want to build; one rooted in mutual respect, understanding, and faith.

Ridwan:For us, culture isn’t just a tradition, it’s a language of love. We pray together in Arabic, make our dua in both Arabic and Yoruba language because we believe Allah creates and understands it all. We also laugh, eat, and communicate in Yoruba. It’s in our food, our family bonds, and the way we respect elders. Blending culture and deen gives our marriage depth and identity.

What advice would you give to young Muslims who sometimes feel pressure to “downplay” their culture or identity when looking for a partner?

Kaosara:My advice is to gracefully embrace and showcase your culture. It’s part of who you are, and it helps attract someone whose values align with yours. Never feel the need to hide your identity to fit in. The right person will love and appreciate you for it.

Ridwan: I would say don’t compromise who you are. There’s beauty in being authentic. If you have to hide your identity to be accepted, then it’s not real acceptance. Islam doesn’t erase culture, it refines it. The right partner will celebrate your background, not make you shrink from it.

Did being Black and Muslim shape your experience on Muzz in any way either positively or with challenges?

Kaosara:Yes, it did. Being Black and Muslim came with pride. It made me intentional about who I connected with; people who understood and respected my background and values.

Ridwan:It definitely shaped my experience. Representation matters, and sometimes it felt like we were few, but that pushed me to stay hopeful. It reminded me that real love doesn’t have colour barriers, what matters most is faith, intention, and compatibility.

What helped you stay patient and confident in your search, especially as Black Muslims who don’t always see themselves represented in love stories?

Kaosara:Faith. I constantly reminded myself that Allah’s timing is perfect. What’s written for me will never miss me, and that gave me peace. I surrounded myself with positivity and trusted that my story would be different and it was.

Ridwan:Tawakkul! Trusting Allah completely. I knew that marriage isn’t a race; it’s a journey. Even when I had met awesome people and it didn’t work out, I saw it as a reason to keep trying. Good things do takes time. Patience, prayer, and purpose kept me grounded.

What do you hope your story inspires in the next generation of Black Muslims in the UK and beyond?

Kaosara:I hope our story inspires others to believe that genuine love is possible even in the least expected places. You can find someone who truly understands, values, and complements you while staying true to your culture and faith.

Ridwan:We hope it shows that love built on Islam and culture is timeless. That young Black Muslims don’t have to compromise their identity to find happiness. You can have both love and deen, tradition and growth.

Any final message to the Black Muslim community in the UK who are searching for their partner on Muzz?

Kaosara:Don’t lose hope. Keep praying, stay authentic, and trust the journey. Love will find you when it’s meant to, and when it does, it will be beautiful, fulfilling, and worth the wait.

Ridwan:Keep faith at the centre of everything. The right person will see you for who you truly are faith first, culture next, and personality. Your love story is already written; you just need to walk your path to it.

This Latin and Hispanic Heritage Month, we spoke with Ana and Isa on how embracing Islam transformed their approach to relationships, the Latin values that continue to shape their journeys as revert Muslims, and why greater visibility matters in spaces where love, faith, and family intersect. Ana is a Honduran-American coffee cart shop owner based in Dallas, and Isa is a British-Colombian artist, activist, and trustee of the Latin Muslim Association based in London.

When it comes to love and marriage, Latino and Latina Muslims are often left out of the wider conversation, despite being a growing and deeply connected community across the US and UK. Their stories offer a rare glimpse into how cultural heritage and Islamic guidance come together to redefine what Muslim relationships can look like today.

When you embraced Islam, did your view on love or marriage shift? If so, how? Were there any misconceptions you had about Muslim relationships before you reverted?

Ana (US): I came to understand what it truly means when people say marriage is “half our deen.” At first, I saw marriage mainly as companionship and building a family. Through the teachings of the Quran, I learned that Allah SWT places mercy and tranquility in a blessed marriage, but it is also a test for both partners. There will be disagreements and challenges, and it takes more than love to get through them. It requires mutual respect, trust, and strong communication to find grace with one another and repair the relationship. I find it beautiful that Islam provides so much guidance on what a healthy marriage looks like. It is not one without trials, but one rooted in mercy and peace that strengthens its foundation.

Isa (UK): In modern times you are taught to avoid responsibility; it is about money first, family later. Back home it is kind of like this too; you stay with your parents until you are educated and have a career before moving on. When Islam came into my life it made me reevaluate. Allah left us Islam and Islam makes it clear what you can and cannot do. Either go with it or reject it. That took some convincing. It is not like when my abuelos were young and it was easier to start a family. Maybe it is not culture clash but economic capitalism that is clashing with love and family life. I used to think that if we just followed the rules of Islam, everything would be perfect. But we are not perfect; we are flawed creatures. We still need to work hard at it every day. As I mature, I understand that more.

What Latin values have you carried over into your journey as a Muslim? What similarities do you see between Latin and Muslim cultures when it comes to love and relationships?

Ana (US): The value of supporting and caring for one’s family is a deep-rooted Latin value that I’ve carried with me on my journey of embracing Islam. Growing up, I watched my father not only provide for our family but also be actively involved at home, cooking and helping maintain the household. That balance reminds me of the teachings of Islam and the example of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), who was known for his kindness and support toward his wives. Both Latin and Muslim cultures place a strong emphasis on family, love, and care, showing that love is shown through actions, whether it’s providing, nurturing, or simply being present for one another.

Isa (UK): For us, family is everything. Come rain or shine, family will always be there for every tear and every laugh. My family is a bit special; they are not heavy drinkers, very health conscious. My abuelo is a doctor, in his 90s now and still practising; such a character. What he taught me is lead your words by example, and fix your relationship with God before you go to others. It is a humble approach to God. Even my great aunties are always telling me to pray, even for the small things. Even if it is just rolling a dice in a game of Ludo, always pray. I think I learnt about God through them.

Latin culture is often passionate and expressive. How has that shaped the way you show love in a Muslim context?

Ana (US): I value a spouse who can meet me with daily greetings of a hug and a kiss. In my culture, we also grow up constantly hearing words of admiration and encouragement from our families, so words of affirmation are deeply meaningful to me. These small, consistent actions are what make us as Latinos passionate and expressive. It is not always about grand gestures, but about continually showing love through simple, everyday acts of care and affection.

Isa (UK): That is probably where my words would be followed with spontaneous dancing and serenading. I do not think other cultures are ready for that kind of public display just yet!

Do you feel represented in the Muslim community as a Latino/Latina revert, especially when it comes to conversations about love and marriage?

Ana (US): No, it can sometimes feel like there is a stereotypical portrayal of Latina Muslims in conversations about love and marriage. Latinas and Latinos come from over 20 different countries, each with unique histories, ethnicities, and cultural norms. This creates a rich and complex matrix of what it means to be Latino. We don’t all eat the same dishes, we don’t all speak the same dialect, and we don’t all dress culturally the same. Our cultures are too diverse and layered to be reduced to one narrative or token representation, even as we continue to grow as an important minority within the Muslim community.

Isa (UK): No, I do not feel represented. We get mentions in our food, but often we are looked at like exotic creatures. It is the same orientalist gaze that Arab and Persian Muslims have faced; except now Muslims do it to us. We are a rich community with a unique culture, forged on a young continent. We have suffered; we have laughed after suffering. So as Muslims, no. In wider society, even less. No one understands our history. We are glamourised through narcos and civil wars. But we are more than our suffering. We are a people who always overcome.

Do you feel Latin Muslims get enough visibility in the wider Muslim community? How can this be changed? 

Ana (US): We might get invited into the room, but I don’t feel like we are always invited to speak at the table. Many of us have started creating our own spaces where we can fully be ourselves. Houston is home to the first Latino-led Islamic center in the U.S., and there are thriving Latino-run communities in places like Chicago and New York/New Jersey, SubhanAllah. These spaces are vital because, so often, the greater Muslim community expects us to conform to their cultural practices rather than embrace the beauty of our own.Allah reminds us in the Quran: “O humanity! Indeed, We created you from a male and a female, and made you into peoples and tribes so that you may get to know one another. Surely the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous among you. Allah is truly All-Knowing, All-Aware.” (49:13) This verse is a powerful reminder that our diversity is a blessing, and that visibility and representation are not just about being seen, but about being valued for who we are.

Isa (UK): No, I do not think Latin Muslims get enough visibility. But maybe we are not large enough yet. Some of us blend in physically with other groups, so people do not notice us. In the USA I hear good things; the community has found its voice and runs its own projects. I am a trustee of the Latin Muslim Association; we are a humble charity that supports little pockets across South America to grow Islam in a Latin way; not a Gulf way, not a Maghrebi way. It is not for others to define us, but for us to stand up and talk.

How can the Muslim community better include and celebrate Latin voices, especially when talking about marriage and family?

Ana (US): Not all, but many Latina and Latino Muslims come from families where their parents are not Muslim or where not everyone practices the same religion. To better include Latino voices, the Muslim community should also make space for our friends and family at Muslim events. For many of them, this may be their first experience seeing how Muslims treat their newly reverted loved one. It is an opportunity to demonstrate the true teachings of Islam by being non-judgmental, welcoming, and supportive. When our families feel respected and included, it not only strengthens our faith journey but also builds bridges of understanding and love between communities.

Isa (UK): To me, representing Latinos and Muslims together means remembering that Allah made us into nations and tribes so we may know one another. The fall of Andalusia, caused by complacency in the Muslim empire, led to the conquest and suffering of South America. How different life could have been if Muslims had not lost sight of the gifts Allah gave them. But it was written, and those effects ripple through to other nations. And here we are today. If Muslims learned Latino history, they would see how close we are to God. We live in lush, green lands, but people are disillusioned with the church. They want God. If Muslims understood the Latino world, it would be easier to reach out and show how close and similar we are. To my Latino Muslims, remember the values of our community; that is the foundation. Islam only strengthens that. We are a people where even our country folk are part of us; it is all about building your own family.

We spoke with Maryam Thomas during Black History Month UK, to unpack how Muslims from multicultural and mixed heritages view love, relationships and marriages today. Maryam is a digital creator who specialises in lifestyle, beauty, and fashion focused content. She aims to pave the way for underrepresented voices in creative spaces.

You come from both Black and Malay heritage. How would you describe the way these two cultures shape your sense of self?

Growing up with both Black and Malay heritage has completely shaped my sense of self. On my mom’s Malay side, I’ve been connected since I was a baby, from traveling there often when I was younger, learning Malay at home with my mom, and staying rooted in culture even when distance and cost made visits less frequent. On my dad’s Black side, ironically I spent much of my childhood in predominantly white environments, first in Wisconsin, then Long Island, where being Muslim, Black, and Asian often felt isolating. For a long time, I downplayed parts of my identity like being Muslim because of stereotypes and racism. There weren’t many girls who looked like me, so I felt pressure to fit in rather than stand out.

That shifted when I moved to Charlotte, North Carolina for high school. Being surrounded by more diversity allowed me to fully embrace who I am. I started wearing my natural curls instead of straightening them, felt proud when people asked about my heritage, and realized that my mix of cultures was something unique and beautiful.Those experiences taught me that identity isn’t about hiding the parts that make you different; it’s about embracing them. Today, I see my Black and Malaysian roots, along with my Muslim faith, as my greatest strengths. They’ve made me adaptable, empathetic, unique, and proud to stand in spaces where representation is still growing, like content creation.

From your Black roots, what stories of culture or experiences have shaped your understanding of love and community?

The most influential story from my Black heritage is the love story between my grandparents. My grandfather was Black, and my grandmother is white, and at the time they fell in love, segregation was still very real in America. Interracial marriage was actually illegal. Instead of giving up on their relationship, they moved to France, where they were free to marry. My grandfather went on to attend medical school there since opportunities were closed off to him in the States. Eventually, they returned to America and built their lives together, raising children and building a family through all of those challenges.

Their story has always been a source of inspiration for me. It showed me that love is powerful enough to cross boundaries society tries to set, and that real commitment sometimes means going against the grain. Even though interracial marriage was only legalized in the U.S. within the last few decades, the resilience of their union reminds me that love and community are strongest when they’re rooted in courage, sacrifice, and the belief that everyone deserves to be seen and cherished. I’m so proud to be their grandchild, and this story will always be a huge part of my identity.

Love should never have a color or condition attached to it.

Maryam Thomas And from your Malay roots, what values or traditions stand out as particularly influential in how you think about family and relationships?

In Malay and broader Asian culture, being family-oriented is deeply ingrained. Caring for elders and even living with extended family is seen as completely normal, and that perspective has shaped me in powerful ways. For example, my recent decision to move in and help take care of my grandmother is directly influenced by those values. In many Western contexts, it’s more common for elders to be placed in care facilities, which isn’t necessarily wrong, especially when families are juggling demanding jobs or raising children. But for me, my upbringing made it feel natural and necessary to rearrange parts of my personal life so I could prioritize my grandmother’s well-being. This value of putting family first has carried into how I think about relationships overall: love and commitment aren’t just about two people, they’re about your tribe and family, and yes, that includes your in-laws.

Have you always felt your identities blended naturally, or has it been a journey learning how to hold space for both at once?

It’s definitely been a journey. For a long time, I felt like I didn’t fully belong anywhere, not completely in the Black community, not fully in the white community, and not fully in the Asian community either. I used to put so much pressure on myself to “pick a side” or fit neatly into one box. Eventually, I realized you don’t have to fit into just one category; you can hold space for all the parts of who you are (and honestly, being mixed means I literally do check multiple boxes on forms, which always makes me laugh). What really helped me was finding community with other mixed kids in high school. A lot of my close friends were also mixed girls, and I think we gravitated toward each other because we just got it. We could relate to that feeling of being in-between, but instead of seeing it as a limitation, we saw it as something special. We all had the privilege of getting to experience multiple cultures all at once.

How do family and community expectations, from both sides, influence the way you think about partnership and commitment?

When it comes to my family, we’re extremely mixed with different cultures, ethnicities, and even religions represented. Because of that, there isn’t really a rigid “checklist” of expectations. The main thing my family values is that our partners practice Islam and that they treat us with respect, love, and kindness. Loyalty, support, and good character are what matter most. Community expectations, though, can feel a little different. Sometimes there are outside pressures about what a “perfect” partner should look like, whether that’s cultural background, career, or occupation. But I’ve learned that at the end of the day, it’s not about living up to every expectation out there, it’s about building a partnership that’s rooted in God, trust, and mutual respect. That’s what lasts. I can happily say I’m in a loving, happy, and healthy relationship, Alhamdullilah, and I’m looking forward to our future together. I adore and love his family, and my family loves him right back.

From your perspective, what role should cultural heritage play in Muslim marriages today, as a complement to faith, not a barrier?

I think a lot of people mix the two up, but culture and religion are actually very different things. Yes, they overlap in many ways. Culture often influences how religion is practiced, and religion can shape culture too, but they aren’t the same. For me, it’s really important to go back to what Islam itself says about marriage, not just what culture says. That becomes especially important when you come from multiple cultural backgrounds, because traditions can sometimes clash or even contradict each other. In some cases, culture can even dictate things that don’t align with Islam. That’s why open and honest conversations with family are so important: to understand where they’re coming from culturally, and then weigh that against what faith teaches us.

When culture and religion work together, it’s beautiful. I also think cultural heritage can be a bridge between families, helping to create unity and mutual respect across different backgrounds. Personally, I’d love to incorporate traditional Malaysian elements into my own future wedding, but I’d also love to incorporate the traditions my partner feels are important to him. It’s a way of honoring where we both come from while keeping faith at the center. To me, that’s what it means for culture to be a complement, not a barrier.

Culture adds richness, identity, and tradition to a marriage, while faith provides the foundation that keeps everything balanced.

Maryam Thomas Do you feel your multicultural background gives you a wider lens on what love and partnership can look like in a Muslim context?

Absolutely! Growing up in such a multicultural family has shown me that love and partnership don’t have to look just one way. I’ve seen it firsthand with my brother marrying a Black woman, my sister marrying a Jordanian man, and my mom being Malay while my dad is Black. Each relationship looks different culturally, but the common thread is always the same: our faith in God and the love and support we give one another. I also think being rooted in just one culture can sometimes make it feel like there’s only one “right” way to do things, whether that’s because of family pressure or cultural expectations, and that’s completely understandable. But I feel really privileged to come from a background where multiple perspectives are part of my everyday life.

It’s given me such a wide lens on love: I’ve been able to see that there isn’t one single formula for a happy, faith-centered marriage. That perspective makes me both grateful and hopeful, because it reminds me that love in Islam has room to look different for everyone as long as it’s built on respect, commitment, and a shared devotion to God.

What lessons or values from your heritages would you want to pass on to future generations about love, marriage, and family?

There isn’t just one way to approach love, marriage, or family. You have to find what works best for you. If you want to marry outside of your culture or ethnicity, do it. As long as you share common faith and values, there’s something so beautiful about blending cultures and learning from one another. The world is a melting pot, and no one should pressure you into marrying a certain way if it doesn’t feel right for you. As long as it’s halal, it’s okay to go against the grain.

At the end of the day, you should choose someone who makes you happy, someone who pushes you to grow, and someone who strives to better themselves, too. Marriage is about partnership, and it’s not always a perfect 50/50. Sometimes you’ll carry more, sometimes your partner will. But the balance evens out when there’s love and intention. One value I especially want to pass on is this: it should always be you and your partner together against the problem, never partner versus partner.

Finally, what advice would you share with young Muslims navigating the modern search for a partner, while trying to stay true to both their faith and their heritage?

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is the importance of being on the same page, whether it’s wanting kids, how you’ll raise them, or what role faith will play in your household. These conversations might feel heavy, but they’re crucial early on. In today’s world, especially in the West, it’s easy to get swayed by the dating culture around us. That’s why it’s so important to be upfront and honest with potential partners about your intentions from the very beginning. Communication is key, and clear boundaries protect both people from heartbreak. I’ve seen too many situations where someone invests in a relationship only to realize later that their goals don’t align.

One of my favorite reminders comes from the Qur’an, which my best friend used frequently throughout her wedding last year, Surah An-Naba, verse 8: “And We created you in pairs.”

Maryam Thomas

At the same time, don’t lose hope. Everything happens for a reason, and if you’re experiencing heartbreak, it’s because something better is in store for you. Your partner is out there. Be patient, trust Allah’s timing, and know that the right person will come when it’s meant to be. The process might take time, but in the end, it will be worth it, Insha’Allah. 

Banner cover photo credits: @zebo.g