Two Failed Startups & With ₹30K Initial Investment, Delhi-based Engineer Builds India’s No.1 Muslim Matrimony Portal

In 2018, a young engineering graduate from Jamia Hamdard University, Delhi, sat down with a simple dream—to create a solution that would bring ease and trust to Muslim matchmaking.

Hailing from Darbhanga, Bihar, Hammad Rahman had already tasted both the challenges and triumphs of entrepreneurship in his college days. But what led him to launch Nikah Forever (NF) was more than business; it was a commitment to addressing a social need while fulfilling his passion for entrepreneurship.

“Marriage is an integral part of Islamic culture, yet finding the right life partner has always been fraught with challenges. Nikah Forever was my attempt to simplify this while maintaining the sanctity and values of Muslim traditions,” shares Hammad Rahman, the founder & CEO of Nikah Forever, in an exclusive interview with Startup Pedia.

The Backstory Of The Young Entrepreneur’s Tryst With Startups:

Darbhanga, Bihar, is a town rich in culture but modest in resources and opportunities for upwardly mobile youth. However, for Hammad, his hometown has always been close to his heart and was the starting point of an extraordinary entrepreneurial journey.

After excelling in his early education, Hammad moved to a high school run by the prestigious Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), where his dreams of entrepreneurship began to take shape.

Later, at Jamia Hamdard University in Delhi, he pursued an engineering degree in computer science, but his passion for creating impactful businesses quickly became his driving force.

By the time his batchmates were preparing for campus placement interviews—a gateway to secure corporate careers—Hammad had already ventured into the risky startup world—not once, but twice.

Both his early ventures, Hostel Needs and Quick Man Services, were ahead of their time but ultimately short-lived, leaving him with invaluable lessons.

“In any business, ideas aren’t everything. Execution, scalability, and understanding the market dynamics are key. Those failures taught me the best life and business lessons. Failures aren’t failures if they teach you the game,” Hammad deeply reflects.

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Determined to finally succeed, Hammad founded a technology services company called Goalwit Technologies Private Limited in 2017, which turned out to be a game-changer in the Indian startup ecosystem.

It was during this time he had a moment of epiphany during a late-night conversation with a friend over tea and snacks. India lacked a trustworthy and culturally attuned matrimonial platform for Muslims.

Though there were many matrimonial portals in the market, few catered specifically to the nuanced requirements of Indian Muslims. Hammad realised that this gap was not just a challenge; it was an opportunity.

With its profits, he invested ₹30,000 to launch Nikah Forever in 2018—a matrimonial portal specifically tailored to the unique socio-cultural needs of Indian Muslims.

The Birth Of Nikah Forever:

From day one, Nikah Forever aimed to address the distinct socio-cultural needs of Muslim communities.

The website and its app version promised something no Muslim marriage bureau or existing platform had: trust, cultural alignment, and advanced matchmaking technology.

“Our goal was to create a safe, reliable, and affordable space for Muslim singles, divorced individuals, and widows or widowers to find their forever partner,” Hammad shares with Startup Pedia.

But starting a matrimony startup in a crowded market with established players was not easy. Convincing skeptics, gathering initial users, and overcoming operational hurdles tested Hammad’s grit.

Hammad recalls, “The early days were filled with setbacks—slow traction, rejections, and doubts. But every obstacle was a stepping stone.”

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Turning Pandemic Crisis Into Opportunity:

Like most businesses, the COVID-19 pandemic hit Nikah Forever hard. However, the surge in digital adoption during this time worked in its favour.

Nikah Forever leveraged the opportunity by enhancing its digital infrastructure, incorporating virtual interaction features, and launching targeted online campaigns.

The result? A significant surge in user engagement and registrations. Within months, the platform had amassed a total of 1 lakh+ users, generating revenues of around ₹1 lakh per month. Today, it boasts over 1.5 million users and countless success stories.

Nikah Forever In Detail:

Nikah Forever’s competitive edge in the market lies in its AI-powered matchmaking algorithms, a user-centric interface, and a deep cultural understanding of Indian Muslims. Advanced algorithms analyze user profiles and preferences to suggest suitable matches.

That’s why the platform doesn’t merely connect profiles; it ensures compatibility in values, lifestyles, and preferences.

“Unlike generic portals, our focus is on delivering community-centric solutions for Muslim matchmaking. From profile verification to advanced filtering options, we aim to offer a seamless and trustworthy experience,” says Hammad with a confident smile.

Moreover, the startup has adopted vernacular communication strategies, engaging users in their regional languages—a move that has built unparalleled trust among its diverse audience.

Additionally, Nikah Forever’s impact isn’t limited to India. With users from over 5000 cities and villages across the country, the platform also caters to NRIs and people from Bangladesh and beyond.

Today, it’s a go-to portal for Muslims worldwide seeking culturally aligned matchmaking solutions.

“Marriage is not just about finding a partner; it’s about spending your lifetime with someone who understands and shares your values and faith. Nikah Forever is helping people do that across borders,” Hammad proudly shares.

Future Plans And Vision:

With a current team of over 135 people, Nikah Forever is gearing up to expand its global footprint.

Hammad envisions making it the world’s largest Muslim matrimonial platform, leveraging advanced AI-driven solutions and innovative yet authentic marketing strategies.

As Nikah Forever continues to grow and evolve, he envisions a future where technology plays an even more significant role in shaping the way people connect and find life partners.

“Every match made on Nikah Forever is a testament to the trust people place in us. We know our journey has just begun. We aim to bridge cultural gaps and create more meaningful connections for the Muslim youth,” shares Hammad.

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With the Indian online matrimony market valued at over $0.26 billion, Nikah Forever serves as a compelling example of how a straightforward yet well-implemented concept can positively influence the community.

With its mission of connecting hearts while preserving cultural values, Nikah Forever continues to lead the way in the digital matchmaking space—a beacon of hope and trust for millions.

From a bootstrapped Delhi startup to becoming a global leader in Muslim matchmaking, Nikah Forever’s story is a testament to resilience, innovation, operational prowess, and the power of a clear vision.

Key Takeaways From Hammad Rahman’s Journey:

> Resilience Over Rejection: Hammad’s perseverance through failed ventures laid the groundwork for Nikah Forever’s success.

> Execution is Everything: His focus on operational excellence turned a simple idea into a thriving business.

> Societal Impact Matters: By addressing a real need, Nikah Forever has redefined the matrimonial portal landscape for Muslims in India and beyond.