Ta’aruf: A Series
A series for those seeking marriage, offering guidance on approaching the journey of Ta’aruf in a way that is pleasing to Him.
Healing Me, Before We
Focus on personal growth, emotional healing, and self-awareness as the
foundation before entering a relationship.
"Trauma, Abuse, Triggers and Behaviours: The Umbrella"
Sheikha Dr. Rania Awaad
In this first episode, our host, Aliza Kim, is joined by a very special guest, Dr. Rania Awaad where the two of them engage on a conversation aimed to set the tone for the first season of the series. When so many clinical terms are being thrown around so casually, we often lose the actual meaning of the words. Have you ever question: "Is this just my personality or is this actually a trauma response?" Join us as we redefine some important concepts on mental health and how Islam offered exemplary stories from which one can draw lessons.
The Big Three: Anxiety, Depression and PTSD
Dian Sukma Ramadhani
In this episode, we tackle the Big Three mental illness that are often confused with common emotions. We are joined by Dian Sukma Ramadhani, a clinical psychologist specializing in trauma healing.
Healing from Narcissistic Abuse & Abuse in General
Sheikha Dr. Rania Awaad
In this video, we explore what narcissism actually means, how to recognize unhealthy narcissistic traits and patterns, and why not every difficult, selfish, or toxic person is a narcissist.
Emotional Regulation & Developing Emotional Availability
Dian Sukma Ramadhani
In this episode, we are back with clinical psychologist, Dian Sukma Ramadhani, where Aliza takes us into really understanding what emotional availability is.
Beyond Daddy & Mommy Issues: Healing Childhood Trauma
Dian Sukma Ramadhani
Many of us might be guilty of calling someone else of having daddy issues, or a particular prospective someone, who we think is not mature enough to be having a daddy issue. Do we actually know the actual definition of those two?
Removing Disney Princess Programming & Savior
Sheikha Dr. Rania Awaad
In this episode, Dr. Rania Awaad shared with us how this kind of mindset is detrimental to our expectation of marriage.
Deleting the Harm of Feminist Ideology and Toxic Masculinity
Sheikha Dr. Rania Awaad
In another episode with Dr. Rania Awaad, we explored how many of us have long been trapped in this either-or mindset when it comes to choosing our priorities. From defining feminism, to dismantling this either-or attitude, Dr. Awaad took us to how women juggle different roles without losing sense of what should be prioritized.
Unpacking Past Partner Baggage & Trust Issues
Dian Sukma Ramadhani
In this episode, we unpack past partner baggage and trust issues, exploring how unresolved experiences can shape the way we approach love, relationships, and marriage.
How to Set and Respect Boundaries
Dian Sukma Ramadhani
In this episode, Aliza Kim sits down again with clinical psychologist Dian Sukma Ramadhani to unpack what boundaries are, the three levels of boundaries, and how couples can set and respect boundaries, red lines, and expectations—both before and within marriage. A conversation on building a healthy marriage without losing yourself in the process.
How to Develop Self Worth & Self Love with Sheikha
Dr. Rania Awaad
Many people struggle to define what self-worth and self-love truly mean, often confusing the two or viewing them solely through a Western lens. In this final episode, Dr. Rania Awaad joins us to break down these concepts from an Islamic perspective, explaining how our inherent dignity is already granted by Allah and why true self-love is rooted in continuous self-improvement and spiritual healing.
Before “I Do”
A structured and guided approach to Taaruf, helping individuals navigate compatibility, decision-making, and intention.
So… Is Ta’aruf Just Halal Dating? Misconception of Ta'aruf
Aliza Kim
Ta'aruf = Halal Dating? In this season, we will deal with the practical aspect of Ta'aruf, starting with its definition, what it is, and what it is not.
Are Muslims Allowed to Date? Introduction to Ta'aruf
Aliza Kim
In the first episode of our Ta’aruf Series: Before I Do, Aliza Kim introduces us to the concept of ta’aruf — the Islamic process of getting to know a potential spouse with sincerity, purpose, and within the boundaries set by Allah SWT.
Are We Ever Truly Ready for Marriage?
Dr. Rania Awaad
In this episode of the Ta’aruf Series, we sit down with Dr. Rania Awaad, Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at Stanford University, to discuss what it really means to be ready for marriage.
How to Find a Spouse in Islam
Sheikh Hussain Yee
In this episode of the Ta’aruf Series, Aliza Kim sits down with Sheikh Hussain Yee, founder of Al-Khadim in Malaysia, to discuss how Muslims can approach the search for a spouse with wisdom, care, and trust in Allah.
Ta'aruf Know-Hows
Sheikh Hussain Yee
How does a Ta'aruf session actually work in real life? Who needs to be present, what key topics should be discussed early on, and how does the concept of a Wali serve to protect a sister throughout the process? Sheikh Hussain Yee shares valuable, step-by-step guidance for anyone preparing for Islamic courtship and marriage.
Confused? This is What You Should Ask During a Ta'aruf Process
Aliza Kim
In this episode of Before I Do, host Aliza Kim breaks down why emotional feelings can be unreliable indicators for marriage and how a structured Ta'aruf process provides the space to ask the questions that truly matter.
Listen on Your Favorite Platforms
A Shift from “How to Find a Spouse” to “How to Become Ready for One”
Most existing content focuses on the mechanics of marriage, like what to do, what to say, and how to navigate the process. However, there is a growing need for content that starts earlier: with personal growth, emotional readiness, and self-awareness before entering a relationship.
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Meet the People
A MIX OF KNOWLEDGE, LIVED EXPERIENCE, AND REAL STORIES
A curated lineup of local and international scholars, experts, and real-life voices to provide both credibility and relatability across the series.
Aliza is an American Muslim speaker and coach based in Malaysia, whose work focuses on faith, personal development, and relationships. Her perspective comes from years of working closely with individuals through teaching, speaking, and facilitating real conversations.
Dr. Rania Awaad is a pioneering psychiatrist, Islamic scholar, and Clinical Professor at Stanford University. She founded the Stanford Muslim Mental Health & Islamic Psychology Lab and is a leading voice in Muslim mental health. As a member of Luminihsan’s Shura Council, she provides scholarly and clinical guidance to help advance the organization’s mission of nurturing spiritual and emotional well-being.
Dato’ Dr. Sheikh Hussain Yee is a globally recognized Islamic scholar from Malaysia and founder of Al-Khaadem. A graduate of the Islamic University of Madinah, he has spent over four decades promoting Islamic education, family wellbeing, and community development through lectures, counseling, and humanitarian initiatives worldwide.
Putu Ayu Dian Sukma Ramadhani is an Indonesian clinical psychologist specializing in psychotherapy, psychological assessment, and trauma-informed care. A co-founder of Bounce Back Community, she is dedicated to making mental health support more accessible through counseling, education, and community outreach, while helping individuals build resilience and emotional wellbeing.
Fachirah Chaidar is a speaker and content creator widely recognized for sharing heartfelt perspectives on Ta’aruf and marriage through a relatable Gen Z lens. After choosing the path of Ta’aruf, she spent the early years of her marriage in Australia accompanying her husband, Lutfi, through his postgraduate studies.
Lutfi Muzzaki is a data scientist and content creator who actively shares thoughtful insights on relationships, intentional marriage, and personal development. Having completed his postgraduate studies in Australia, Lutfi blends an analytical mindset with grounded life reflections, offering relatable perspectives on navigating early marriage, academic pursuits, and career ambitions.
Thariq Amanillah is an Indonesian professional and graduate in International Business Administration from the International University Liaison Indonesia (IULI). Through thoughtful storytelling and relatable dialogue about his Ta’aruf journey, Thariq bridges traditional Islamic values with contemporary youth perspectives.
Nabila Faranida is an alumnus of the Faculty of Administrative Sciences at Universitas Indonesia, Nabila Faranida is an experienced HR professional dedicated to people development and workplace dynamics. In her journey, she embraced Ta’aruf and navigates marriage alongside a neurodivergent partner.
Melinda Nurimannisa is a dynamic educator, lecturer, and founder of Alkindi Eduprise who seamlessly embodies the spirit of an ambitious modern working woman. Even while hustling through high-paced corporate and academic environments, Melinda chose the path of Ta’aruf, proving that professional drive and traditional relationship values can gracefully coexist. Through her work, she continues to inspire young individuals to pursue meaningful careers without losing sight of spiritual groundedness and family values.
Jasmine Kamila is a managing director at Sahwa Academy, an online Islamic learning platform that provides accessible and relevant educational programs, such as webinars and study sessions like Sahwa LITE. Kamila highlights the principles of Ta’aruf as a viable, healthy, and dignified framework for modern youth.
Ta’aruf Series Production
Conceptualized and hosted by Aliza Kim, an internationally recognized American Muslim speaker and coach based in Malaysia. Beyond being the voice on screen, she serves as the foundational thinker behind the series that translates extensive frontline experience in relationship mentoring, personal growth, and faith-centered dialogue into a transformative framework for viewers.
Executive producer: Guzelya Marisova
Producer: Khansa Izzah
Director: Mohammed Alim
Produced by LUMINIHSAN in collaboration with Aliza Kim
How we arrive in a relationship is just as important as who we choose to marry. Join us in this double series where you’ll be guided on how to heal and love yourself, then how to find a healthy love that’s also pleasing to Allah Al Wadud.
Aliza Kim
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