Iran has unveiled a dating app for Islam to promote marriage in the Middle East News

Iran has unveiled an Islamic dating app aimed at facilitating a “sustainable and informed marriage” for young people.

Called Hamdam – Farsi “companion” – the service allows users to “find and choose their spouse,” state television said Monday.

It is the only state-sanctioned platform in the Islamic Republic, according to Iranian cyberspace police chief Ali Mohammad Rajabi.

Although dating apps are popular in Iran, Rajabi said all platforms other than Hamdam are illegal.

Hameben’s website, developed by the Tebyan Cultural Institute, part of Iran’s Islamic Propaganda Organization, says it uses “artificial intelligence” to find matches “looking for graduates and single spouses seeking a permanent marriage.”

‘Devil’s Purpose’

The head of Tebyan, Komeil Khojasteh, speaking at the inauguration, said outside forces had threatened the family’s values.

“The family is the devil’s target, and [Iran’s enemies] they want to impose their ideas, ”he said, adding that the app helps create“ healthy ”families.

According to Hamdam’s website, users need to verify their identity and take a “psychology test” before browsing.

When games are played, the app “presents the family along with the presence of service counselors,” as they will be “friends” for four years after the couple gets married.

Registration is free because Hamdam has an “independent income model,” the website said without further explanation.

Decrease in birth rates

Iranian authorities, including the top leader Ali Khamenei, Ayatollah, have repeatedly warned against raising the country’s marriage age and reducing birth rates.

In March, Iran’s Conservative parliament passed a bill called “Population Growth and Supporting Families.”

It promises to provide significant economic incentives for marriage and encourage people to have more than two children, limiting access to abortion.

The law is awaiting approval by the Guardian Council, which is responsible for verifying that the bills are compatible with Islamic law and the constitution.