What is the ruling on fasting in secret for a new Muslim woman? I live in a Western country, and I embraced Islam shortly before Ramadan. I haven't yet disclosed my conversion to my parents, as I need some time to prepare them for the news. Is there any harm in fasting secretly and is my fast valid if I do so?

The fast is valid if it fulfills all the integrals and conditions of fasting, such as making the intention to fast, abstaining from things that break the fast during the legally prescribed time for fasting, the absence of menstruation and postpartum bleeding, and the absence of anything that invalidates the fast. It makes no difference whether a person publicly declares that they are fasting or not since a public declaration does not serve as a prerequisite for the validity of fasting, nor is it an essential component of the practice itself.

The status of fasting

Allah Almighty has prescribed fasting for lofty purposes and great objectives, aiming to raise His servants to a state of God-consciousness, continuous awareness of Him, and sincere devotion to His worship Alone; Allah Almighty says, “O you who have believed, fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, that you may become righteous” (Quran, 2:183). Fasting is a private matter between the individual and their Lord. Consequently, a person who fasts receives their reward from Allah Alone. Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “Every deed of the son of Adam is for him, except for fasting; it is for Me and I will reward it” (Bukhari and Muslim).

Imam Abu Ubayd al-Qasem Ibn Sallam wrote in Ghareeb Al-Hadeeth (1/325-6), “We know that all good deeds are for Allah Almighty and He rewards them.  Allah knows best, He singled out fasting to be reward by Him [Alone], as it is an act that cannot be observed by others through words and actions, unlike other deeds that are recorded by the angels. Rather, fasting is about the intention in one’s heart and the abstention from food, drink, and intimate relations. [He] Allah says, ‘I will provide its reward as I wish, so that that may be multiplied,’ … This is elucidated by the words of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), ‘There is no ostentation in fasting.’ The reason is that all deeds are demonstrated through actions, with the exception of fasting, which is known solely by the intention concealed in the heart. If the intention is made, how can there be any display of pride? This is my opinion—and Allah knows best— is the meaning of the hadith.”

Fasting in secret for a new convert to Islam

A fast is valid if it meets the integrals of fasting, including the intention to fast and the abstention from anything that could invalidate the fast. Additionally, the fast must be devoid of the things that compromise its integrity. The public declaration of a fast is neither integral nor essential to its validity.

In addition, Allah Almighty has attributed fasting to Himself Alone, setting it apart from the other acts of worship. This distinction highlights that fasting is solely His, remaining concealed from others, as it entails personal and private sacrifice. This eliminates any possibility of conceit. Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated a hadith Qudsi in which the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “Every deed of the son of Adam is for him, except fasting, it is for Me, and I will reward it. The breath of a fasting person is more pleasing to Allah that the fragrance of musk” (Bukhari and Muslim). This demonstrates that publicly declaring a fast or informing others about it holds no significance and is not essential for the validity of the fast.

The ruling

If the fast meets the integrals and conditions of fasting mentioned above, and there are no valid excuses recognized in Islamic law that would prevent the inquirer from fasting such as menstruation or postnatal bleeding, then the fast is considered valid, regardless of whether it is publicly declared or kept private.

And Allah Almighty knows best