Privacy Policy
Last updated: 12 July 2026
Privacy is not an afterthought at HalalZawaj — it is the reason the platform exists. Modesty and the protection of personal information are core Islamic values, and this policy explains exactly what information we collect at halalzawaj.org (the “Service”), why we collect it, who can see it, and the choices you have. This policy should be read together with our Terms of Service.
1. Who We Are
HalalZawaj (halalzawaj.org) is a Muslim matrimonial platform serving Ethiopian, Eritrean, Somali, Kenyan, and Ugandan Muslim communities worldwide, and open to practising Muslims everywhere. The Service is operated by Jemal Mohamed, based in Stockholm, Sweden, who is the data controller for the personal information described in this policy. Contact: hello@halalzawaj.org.
2. Information We Collect
Information you provide when registering or editing your profile: account details (email address and a password, stored only as a secure cryptographic hash); biodata (full name, gender, date of birth, country, city, marital status, sect/manhaj, prayer habits, hijab/beard practice, Quran level, education, profession, willingness to relocate, and your free-text “about me” and “looking for” sections); Wali (guardian) details for female members; and your profile photo, if you choose to upload one. We also automatically collect a session cookie and basic technical records used for security and troubleshooting. We do not access your device contacts or location, and we do not buy data about you from anyone. If paid plans are offered, payments will be processed by a specialist payment provider — we will not store your card details ourselves.
3. How We Use Your Information
We use your information to create, operate, and display your matrimonial profile; to show your profile to members of the opposite gender searching for a spouse; to operate the interest and matching system; to verify identity and profile authenticity and protect the community; to send you important service updates and notifications; to respond when you contact us; and to improve the platform and comply with legal obligations. We will NEVER sell or rent your personal data to third parties, share it with data brokers, or use it for advertising purposes.
4. Who Can See Your Information
Registered members of the opposite gender can see your biodata profile. Your photo is blurred for everyone by default and becomes visible to a specific member only after a match, unless you choose the “show my photo to everyone” setting. Your email is never shown publicly and is revealed only to a member you have matched with. Wali details are hidden from all members and revealed only to a member the sister has matched with. Visitors who are not logged in cannot browse profiles, view photos, or see any member information. We share personal information with third parties only for infrastructure providers under confidentiality obligations, where legally required, or to protect member safety.
5. Data Storage and Security
Passwords are hashed with an industry-standard algorithm (bcrypt); nobody, including us, can read them. All data transmission is protected with SSL/TLS encryption. Photos are served only to logged-in members, following the same match-based rules as display. Session cookies are HTTP-only. Access to the database is restricted to the operation of the Service. No system on the internet can be guaranteed 100% secure. If we become aware of a breach affecting your personal information, we will notify affected members without undue delay.
6. Your Rights Under GDPR
We follow the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), as required by Swedish and EU law, for all members wherever they live. You have the right to access your personal data, correct inaccurate data, delete your account and all associated data, object to processing, and receive your data in a portable format. To exercise any of these rights, contact hello@halalzawaj.org. You also have the right to lodge a complaint with the Swedish data protection authority (IMY) or your local supervisory authority.
7. Data Retention
We retain your data only as long as your account is active. When your account is deleted, your profile, photo, and match data are removed from the live system. Residual copies in backups, where they exist, are overwritten in the ordinary backup cycle. We may retain minimal records where necessary to prevent a banned member from re-registering or to comply with legal obligations.
8. Cookies
We use a single, strictly necessary cookie: a session cookie that keeps you logged in for up to 30 days. It contains only a random identifier — no personal information. We do not use advertising cookies, analytics trackers, or third-party cookies.
9. Children
HalalZawaj is strictly for users aged 18 and above. We do not knowingly collect data from anyone under 18. Any account found to belong to a minor will be immediately deleted.
10. International Members
HalalZawaj welcomes members from many countries. By using the Service, you understand that your information is processed where our servers are located, which may be outside your own country. We apply the GDPR-level protections described in this policy to all members equally, wherever they live.
11. Changes to This Policy
If we change this policy, we will update the date above and notify registered members of significant changes via email or on the site. We will never weaken the core promise of this platform — photos and family contact details stay private until both sides accept — without your explicit consent.
12. Contact
For any privacy question, request, or complaint: hello@halalzawaj.org · www.halalzawaj.org