Phuong Linh (born 1988, Hanoi) and Sam (born 1988, from Pakistan) met after both had experienced long-term relationships that did not lead to results. At the age of 37, having tasted both love and heartbreak, both hoped to meet a compatible partner for marriage. Therefore, the first criterion they set when getting to know someone was seriousness and a commitment to a long-term future.

Getting to know each other through a dating app in early 2025, Phuong Linh and Sam found themselves highly compatible. After several conversations over the phone, they decided to meet in person.

"I met Sam for the first time on an extremely hot day in Hanoi. Coincidentally, not long before that, I had returned from Indonesia, a country with a Muslim majority. Right after that, I 'ran into' a Muslim guy," Linh shared with a smile.

Sam fell in love at first sight. Every day, he looked for opportunities to meet Linh. Not long after knowing her, he was ready to drive Linh and her mother to their hometown to visit her grandparents.

When Linh's father underwent surgery at the hospital, Sam was eager to visit. During that visit, a subtle and delicate action of his made Linh melt. "Before holding my father's hand, he rubbed his own hands against his face to warm them up because he was afraid my father would feel cold. At that moment, I realized he was a family-oriented man," Linh recalled.

“In the days that followed, he treated my family like his own. Whenever my family had something to do or needed to travel far, he would arrange his time to drive us. I realized he was a responsible man who would make a good husband,” Linh shared.

Linh admitted that this was the first time she had dated a Muslim, so she did not know much about the religion.

Sam also did not present himself as strict about religious matters. He always made her feel comfortable, allowing her to get acquainted with Islamic culture in a gentle and natural way.

Cultural integration

Linh’s parents followed their children’s journey from the very beginning, so they felt reassured and gave their full support and blessings.

So far, Linh has not yet had the chance to visit Pakistan to meet her in-laws in person, but through video calls and warm conversations, she knows she is welcomed.

The couple held an Islamic wedding ceremony (Nikah) in November 2025 in Hanoi and officially moved in together. They plan to travel to Pakistan after the 2026 Lunar New Year to hold a wedding ceremony there, followed by a celebration party in Vietnam.

Currently, the couple lives in Hanoi. Linh runs a business in the beauty sector, while Sam operates a business and works as an English teacher.

Since living together, Sam has proactively shared his vision for building a family culture and educating children according to Islamic values. Through this, Linh has gradually understood the disciplined lifestyle, principles, and standards her husband follows. 

Observing how her husband lives and behaves daily, Linh recognized the positive values in that lifestyle. Instead of feeling pressured or restricted, she proactively chose a gentle approach to nurture their shared family life.

"My husband does not drink alcohol; he always maintains distance and respects women. I also want to pursue those values, valuing family, loving everyone, and finding peace in my soul," Linh shared.

Linh used to prefer a dynamic, modern fashion style. After marriage, she voluntarily chose more modest clothing as a way to show respect and harmony with her husband’s family lifestyle.

Gradually, Linh became accustomed to wearing Hijab, the traditional headscarf for Muslim women, when going out. At first, she was still awkward because she had not found the right style, but over time, everything became easier and more convenient.

“In the past, it took me quite a long time to put on the scarf, sometimes nearly half an hour. Now that I’m used to it, I only need a few minutes before heading out,” Linh said.

In daily life, Linh has adjusted her eating habits to suit their small family. She proactively changed the menu, choosing simple, easy-to-prepare dishes that fit both their tastes, especially the culinary culture of her husband’s hometown.

Despite religious differences, Linh realized that she and her husband share many things in common. Both value family, love, and mutual respect.

Ha Nguyen