Love transcends borders.
It defies difference and holds a mirror up to the content of two souls, asking ‘who are you beyond the identity that others have assigned you?’.
Sometimes, the greatest matches are made when different cultures come together in harmony, taking the best of two worlds and creating a beautiful third.
As long as their faith is strong, two people who are written for each other will always find their way, no matter the circumstances, no matter the distance.
After all, we were made in pairs with our names inscribed side-by-side, and Allah SWT only writes in the purest ink.
Mariah and Ismail are no exception to this divine rule, and Alhamdulillah Muzz was able to help them with their journey towards one another.
Both unemployed, both at different stages of their lives and both living hundreds of miles apart.
Ismail was one of the app’s earliest users, having signed up while he was still a student at university, and hopping on and off for a few years. Mariah was a newbie by comparison, only having downloaded the app because her mother had jokingly told her that she couldn’t return home to Singapore unless she found a husband.
Living in Moscow at the time, she certainly wasn’t expecting to fall in love with a boy from Birmingham.
They’d both looked for ways to settle over the years, trying matchmaking services, social clubs, even referrals from friends, to no avail. They weren’t willing to settle for anything less than perfection.
From moment one, Ismail knew what he wanted.
“The intention is to marry. We’re not looking for text buddies.”
Their interactions were rooted in a desire to progress. They approached each conversation with a deep curiosity about the other’s goals, character, views on life, with an understanding that if they were meant to be, everything would align and fall into place.
Without ever having met in person, kept apart by travel restrictions, they became increasingly certain of each other and decided to take the next step.
Ismail spoke with her father shortly after, and with his approval, made plans to fly to Singapore to finally see one another face to face.
His respectful approach and honesty, as well as the dad jokes he prepared to woo his future father-in-law, earned the respect of her family and cemented their relationship.
Despite coming from completely different parts of the world, their mutual faith, similar interests and appreciation of each other’s upbringing made the union natural and easy.
In particular, their shared love for food.
Drawing on her Singaporian & Russian roots, and having gained a deep appreciation for flavours from different parts of the world following years of globe-hopping, her cooking abilities are unmatched, at least according to Ismail.
“She makes the best Russian potato salad”
Now, a few years in, and still very much in love, they look back at their journey with a smile. A lifetime together, all starting with a simple like on a silly little app.
Kept apart by borders, united in faith and on-track for an eternity of sharing every aspect of their being.
From Moscow to the Midlands, Fi Dunya Wa Fil Akhirah, Insha’Allah.
Why not give it a try?
Share your story on a fun video-shoot and as a reward we can offer you a cash prize or a luxury hotel stay of your choice*.
Sounds like something you’d be interested in?
Share your story*Terms & Conditions apply.
Married in 2025Saratu & Hayatudeen matched in December 2024. He sent the first like, and she matched with him shortly after. His first message was a simple ‘Salaam’, as is often the case. Unfortunately, being bu...
Married in 2025Yusuf and Farieda matched on Muzz in July 2023. At the time, he lived in Cape town, while she was staying with her parents in a small city nearly 500 miles away. “If it wasn’t for the Muzz app, there...
Married in 2025Ridwan, a product designer at one of Africa’s leading tech companies, and Kaosara, a real estate sales manager, met on Muzz in 2022. At the time, they were both living in Nigeria and looking for the r...
