A very clever post with amazing combination of depth and humor It made me read each and every comment…

A cousin of mine recently had to share the taxi the driver wanted to take another passenger so he could have someone to take the driving seat after him … it was very new for me

And yes we need to consider the needs of other women and remind our self that the journey is a temporary one
JazaakAllah khayr for the article haven’t read the like of it before

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I understand what you mean about the clean-shaven bit now. Indeed, there are younger Muslim males (as well as females) who rush into marriage without really understanding the commitments and adjustments that go along with it.

And thanks for clarifying about the directions part. I believe everyone has preferences about what they’re looking for in a significant other, and it’s easy to generate preferences especially when that person isn’t even in our lives. When we *do* meet someone who has potential, we may find ourselves making compromises when it comes to certain preferences of ours. Like maybe the driver doesn’t know all the roads, but he keeps his cool, doesn’t panic, and is a fun person to chat with, lol I don’t know, that’s just an example! But I agree with you about confidence and stability. Optimism is always a beautiful trait, especially the way the world is today.

Love comes unexpectedly and everyone has a different Love story, sobhan’Allah. The driver will overcome his sorrow and find the right passenger, insha’Allah. The road is full of mysteries, and Allah is always revealing new blessings and discoveries

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I did write the article combining my own perception of what a woman may want and my experiences in cabs. The clean-shaven bit I had written was more about age than religiousity. I’ve come to realize that beard and religiousness are not as closely related as some people would like to think. Clean-shaven I was think of a boy, not yet man…15-16…some taxi drivers are and to continue the analogy, there are boys ready to jump into the excitement and fun of marriage without being mature enough to handle the responsibilities. Not merely financial, but the commitment and the support that one has to provide one another.

Your other point, about asking for directions. There’s something I didn’t think about. At least he is seeking and exploring the options. SubhanAllah, what a great way to look at it. I came from the perspective of roaming around with a driver that said he knew exactly where I wanted to go and took over 3 times the time to get there, and asked nearly every person he saw before making another turn, which is alot when you are in an overpopulated city like Cairo. I think even with a life partner, although I wouldn’t mind someone who is willing to ask for guidance and directions, I’d like a certain confidence and surety…of all the things women want that change from one to another…stability is definitely one that is common ground. Whether that be financial, or emotional, or spiritual…to each their own definition of stability, its something we seek.
I’d hope that if the passenger enjoyed the ride and the driver so much, she could overlook minor mismatches and realize she may have flaws he overlooked to take her on as a passenger. However, even if she’s left, there may be another passenger to enjoy the rest of the journey with rather than be alone the rest of the way.
I’m glad to get a man’s perspective.

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Don’t all Muslim women have different preferences when it comes to finding a husband? Actually, I know the answer is “yes,” but I’m just asking this because in your post, you seem to be presenting a specific type of man/husband. For example, if a man doesn’t have facial hair, maybe he likes being clean shaven. Maybe he doesn’t want to grow a beard. There shouldn’t be a problem with that, right? A clean shaven man doesn’t necessarily mean he doesn’t know where he’s going, or isn’t mature enough.

Also, I’m not sure if I understand this part: “Does he know his way around, or does he have to ask many many many different people for directions?” I guess this implies that Muslim women are looking for a man who knows his way around in the world and knows how the world functions. Ok, but what if he doesn’t? What if he hasn’t reached the point of knowing how everything works in the world, but is at least striving to get there? Does that outweigh other characteristics he may have, such as being educated, Truly Loving you, and being a devout Muslim?

I’m not being argumentative, I’m just expressing my concern because, as a single Muslim male, I think it’s so important for us to reevaluate some of our expectations. Some of us may get so caught in our ideals for a marriage that we’re willing to pull out despite how Beautiful everything was.

I understand what “anonymous br” is evoking. The most special and beautiful person could get in the taxi with you, and you could have the greatest time of your life just driving, exploring, and sharing so many experiences together, but then one day, there is a minor mismatch (like difference in culture and not having an established place in the world yet) and the passenger gets out of the cab, leaving you alone and devastated. Then you give it up, drive around and don’t pick anyone up because you’re afraid of being hurt again.

I know. I’ve been there.

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Why always assume the 1st passenger’s intentions in a bad light? It’s her right.Why always assume the cabby’s effort as the most righteous thing to do? Do other passengers have to endure being uncomfortable,crowded atmosphere in order to be shown in a good light?

Afterall cab drivers now do not necessarily have to be male!

@Zammer
I don’t think I will share a cab with other passengers simply because they’re strangers.If I’m in a hurry.I’ll probably book a calltaxi.It’s better to be safe than to be sorry.

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Haha@ Amin, you made a good point and you’re right; the taxi analogy only goes so far. =)

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