Mu' meneen Brothers and Sisters,

As Salaam Aleikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh.  (May Allah's Peace, Mercy and Blessings be upon all of you)

One of our brothers/sisters has asked this question:

I am a revert to islam and my parents do not yet know but are suspicious of it.It is difficult for me to fast on the weekends at Ramadhan as I am at home and do not want my parents to know.

They sometimes ask me to eat and watch to make sure i am not fasting.
Should i try to complete the fasts on the weekend, even though i may break them if my parents make me lunch or is it better not to fast on these days and make up these missed fasts when i can on weekdays.  

(There may be some grammatical and spelling errors in the above statement. The forum does not change anything from questions, comments and statements received from our readers for circulation in confidentiality.)

Answer:

Revert and fasting

In the name of Allah, We praise Him, seek His help and ask for His forgiveness. Whoever Allah guides none can misguide, and whoever He allows to fall astray, none can guide them aright. We bear witness that there is no one (no idol, no person, no grave, no prophet, no imam, no dai, nobody!) worthy of worship but Allah Alone, and we bear witness that Muhammad (saws) is His slave-servant and the seal of His Messengers.

Allah Says in the Holy Quran Chatper 2 Surah Baqarah verse 185:

185 Ramadan is the (month) in which was sent down the Qur'an as a guide to mankind also clear (Signs) for guidance and judgment (between right and wrong). So everyone of you who is present (at his home) during that month should spend it in fasting but if anyone is ill or on a journey the prescribed period (should be made up) by days later. Allah intends every facility for you He does not want to put you to difficulties. (He wants you) to complete the prescribed period and to glorify Him in that He has guided you; and perchance ye shall be grateful.

If you do not wish to disclose your reversion to your parents at this time for fear that they might put you on trial because of your faith, or force you to disbelief after you have believed, or because you want to gain time to guide them to the Truth of Al-Islam, there is absolutely no harm. Although it would be best for you to fulfill your fasts of Ramadan, under these trying circumstances if you do miss a couple of days fasts because of the possible repercussions from your family, you must make up the missed fasts later in the year. It is expected that your Lord Most Merciful will accept you missing your fasts for a valid excuse and not diminish your rewards for your patience and your striving in the least, Insha Allah.

Allah Subhanah is well aware of the condition of each and every one in His creation; thus my beloved brother, be rest assured that your Lord is well aware of the situation and conditions that would force you to break your fast, even though you detest it. May Allah Subhanah grant you the patience and the wisdom to overcome the difficulties and trials that people who do not believe put in your way, and may the Lord Most Gracious give you the courage and the determination to remain steadfast on the path of Truth you have chosen to live your life. Ameen.

Whatever written of Truth and benefit is only due to Allah’s Assistance and Guidance, and whatever of error is of me alone. Allah Alone Knows Best and He is the Only Source of Strength.

Your brother and well wisher in Islam,

Burhan