Muslim MatchmakerHosts Break Down the 'Huge Pitfall' in Today's Dating Scene and the Rule They Swear By to Find Love (Exclusive)

Mar. 15, 2025

Hoda Abrahim and Yasmin Elhady on ‘Muslim Matchmaker’.Photo:ABC News Studios

ABC News Studios

Wanting love — and dealing with all of the ups and downs of the process — is universal… just askMuslim Matchmaker’s Hoda Abrahim and Yasmin Elhady!The hosts of Hulu’s new series, which premiered on Feb. 11, tell PEOPLE that dating is not about an abundance of choices or millions of “fish out in the sea,” but rather catching “one really good, well-matched fish."“Is it wild caught? That’s what it should be," Elhady jokes. “And are the mercury levels, okay? And does it taste, you know, delicious? Has it been smoked?“That process of finding a well-matched pair is highlighted on ABC News Studios' new series, which comes from the creators ofIndian Matchmaking. On the dating show, Abrahim and Elhady gather Muslim American singles from all over the country to find couples that are compatible with each other. The matchmakers have been working together for almost a decade, aligning pairs based on core values, including faith, lifestyle and outlook on life.Along the way, the duo guide their clients, whoElhady describes in the show’s traileras people “who don’t know how to date,” towards marriage with their “three dates, three months, three hundred questions” rule.Hoda Abrahim and Yasmin Elhady on ‘Muslim Matchmaker’.ABC News StudiosAbrahim believes one “huge pitfall” in today’s dating culture is moving on too quickly, especially after just a few texts on a dating app, which is why the matchmakers want people to date somebody three times before saying no.“Sometimes the first date, people are nervous,” Elhady explains. “By the second date, maybe you’re melting a little bit. By the third date, we feel like you’ll get a real nice shade of who they may be.”Three months in, Abrahim says people are able to establish an emotional connection and determine a “commitment timeline.” Elhady adds that kind of compatibility isn’t about superficial qualities, like “the perfect body,” but about building a long-lasting relationship.“When you’re thinking about what might be a good match for you, think about your circle of close friends or the people in your life,” Abrahim explains. “Kind of evaluate, what qualities do they have that you admire and just look for that.”Hoda Abrahim and Yasmin Elhady on ‘Muslim Matchmaker’.ABC News StudiosElhady also believes self-image plays a huge factor, noting that when people find themselves interesting, other people will too. However, if someone is “feeling icky,” then their date is going to get “the ick” as well.On the path to finding clients their perfect match, Elhady says certain people require coaching on making eye contact or asking questions, rather than “interrogating.” Others may need to step back and do some self-reflection.“Sometimes I have to turn away clients and say, ‘You need therapy,'” Elhady says. “‘You’re angry or you’re jaded or you’re searching for the wrong things.'”Muslim Matchmaker.ABC NewsUltimately, Abrahim hopes the show offers “little nuggets” and tips to help audiences in search of their own love.Reminding viewers that the love of your life isn’t going to just knock on your door while you’re “doom scrolling,” Elhady adds, “You’ve got to disrupt your routine a little bit.“Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.Muslim Matchmakeris now streaming on Hulu.

Wanting love — and dealing with all of the ups and downs of the process — is universal… just askMuslim Matchmaker’s Hoda Abrahim and Yasmin Elhady!

The hosts of Hulu’s new series, which premiered on Feb. 11, tell PEOPLE that dating is not about an abundance of choices or millions of “fish out in the sea,” but rather catching “one really good, well-matched fish.”

“Is it wild caught? That’s what it should be," Elhady jokes. “And are the mercury levels, okay? And does it taste, you know, delicious? Has it been smoked?”

That process of finding a well-matched pair is highlighted on ABC News Studios’ new series, which comes from the creators ofIndian Matchmaking. On the dating show, Abrahim and Elhady gather Muslim American singles from all over the country to find couples that are compatible with each other. The matchmakers have been working together for almost a decade, aligning pairs based on core values, including faith, lifestyle and outlook on life.

Along the way, the duo guide their clients, whoElhady describes in the show’s traileras people “who don’t know how to date," towards marriage with their “three dates, three months, three hundred questions” rule.

Hoda Abrahim and Yasmin Elhady on ‘Muslim Matchmaker’.ABC News Studios

Abrahim believes one “huge pitfall” in today’s dating culture is moving on too quickly, especially after just a few texts on a dating app, which is why the matchmakers want people to date somebody three times before saying no.

“Sometimes the first date, people are nervous,” Elhady explains. “By the second date, maybe you’re melting a little bit. By the third date, we feel like you’ll get a real nice shade of who they may be.”

Three months in, Abrahim says people are able to establish an emotional connection and determine a “commitment timeline.” Elhady adds that kind of compatibility isn’t about superficial qualities, like “the perfect body,” but about building a long-lasting relationship.

“When you’re thinking about what might be a good match for you, think about your circle of close friends or the people in your life,” Abrahim explains. “Kind of evaluate, what qualities do they have that you admire and just look for that.”

Elhady also believes self-image plays a huge factor, noting that when people find themselves interesting, other people will too. However, if someone is “feeling icky,” then their date is going to get “the ick” as well.

On the path to finding clients their perfect match, Elhady says certain people require coaching on making eye contact or asking questions, rather than “interrogating." Others may need to step back and do some self-reflection.

“Sometimes I have to turn away clients and say, ‘You need therapy,'” Elhady says. “‘You’re angry or you’re jaded or you’re searching for the wrong things.'”

Muslim Matchmaker.ABC News

ABC News

Ultimately, Abrahim hopes the show offers “little nuggets” and tips to help audiences in search of their own love.

Reminding viewers that the love of your life isn’t going to just knock on your door while you’re “doom scrolling,” Elhady adds, “You’ve got to disrupt your routine a little bit."

Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

Muslim Matchmakeris now streaming on Hulu.

source: people.com