It all started when Khalid's niece, Summer, had a strong intuition to introduce Mariam and Khalid to one another, coincidentally, on one summer day.

Mariam and Khalid had each tried so many ways to find their respective soulmates - ie dating apps, blind dates, long dua'a in Ramadan Taraweeh, and matchmakers. They had spent over a decade attempting to partner with other people, to no avail, in the hopes of finding The One.

Summer approached them at a time in which they had each left it to God (ie they had both thoroughly given up hope of finding a "normal" individual who could serve as a partner in life).

The couple was introduced to one another by Summer via a group text message. It was the middle of the workday. Mariam was working as a telemedicine psychiatrist and Khalid was working as a cloud solution engineer - living across the country. Yet, they not only found the time to communicate but they also felt the chemistry through the phone and were excited to speak.

When the couple hopped on the phone that evening, they laughed, found a meaningful connection, spoke of their values, and believed there was great potential.

They were hopeful to meet in person.

In the fall, Khalid flew from Arizona to Ohio in the hopes of finding love.

When they first locked eyes, they gazed at each other, both grinning and mirroring one another's body language, a clear sign they were mutually interested.

They found comfort and joy in talking to one another that day, catching up with one another on their lives, and expressing their hopes and aspirations. They explored Bridge Park in Dublin, Ohio - where they still hold fond memories of their beginning - and where they plan to get married.

After a few more dates, they met their families, who grew a quick liking to each other.

They felt they were each gaining family.

Soon enough, talks of the Katb Kitaab (ie Islamic Ceremony) were had. God facilitated its occurrence on October 21st, 2023, wherein Khalid asked Mariam to marry him in front of their family and friends in her parents' home - and Mariam accepted.

Mariam and Khalid officially became a couple in the eyes of God that day.

The rest has become history...

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