Marriage

[Muslimmamma]

Salaam all!

This may be a bit of a strange one. But I'm new to this forum.
Single mum of 2 and ready to start looking for marriage.

I just wanted advice as to how.

Salaams sister. I would reccommend you try the online platforms such as single Muslim? just be very wary as a lot of fake profiles/scammers out there.
also maybe reach out to friends/family - letting them know you are looking so they can send any prospects your way.

be prepared to set firm boundaries and put your foot down whenever you feel uncomfortable with anything. especially with children, I would be extra cautious. you can do a claire's law search if things are getting serious and I would also request an STI screen before nikah.

May Allah SWT grant you a good hearted, pious husband and a happy marriage.

Salaams sister, do you live near an Islamic centre with a introductions service? They can be quite good as people using them tend to be a bit more practising than some of the people on the online ones.

I know some people who found spouses through putting the word out amongst their female friends that they were looking, and asking for recommendations of people that met their main criteria.

As you have children already, definitely be super careful. I would do Claire's Law or equivalent checks and meet any potential match's close female relatives as soon as possible, as well as references/opinions from people familiar with him. And I wouldn't rush to move in - there's plenty of time after nikah to take things slowly and build relationships rather than throwing children in the deep end.

I agree with the PP about not moving in straight away, depending on your children's ages, it may be quite disruptive.

I used online dating apps to find my husband, and I had a good experience (although, I've only been married once).

Going by the step parent threads here, I would probably discuss parenting, discipline and expectations before marriage, and make this part of the marriage contract.

https://www.google.com/amp/s/islamqa.info/amp/en/answers/108806

Wa'alaykumus Salam sister. In my community it used to mostly be recommendations through word of mouth. It's useful in the sense that it's easy to find people who can vouch for their character/background
There used to be aunties who were known to do this but not as much anymore, and I think more people are joining WhatsApp groups that serve a similar purpose
I don't know if there's anything like that where you live?