Missing Fasts Due to Fear of Harm

Walekumussalam,

(1) If a person is in an environment where revealing their Islam may lead to serious harm, such as a real risk to their life, wealth, or essential life matters (like education), then Islamic jurisprudence recognizes such compulsion as a valid excuse. In such a situation, the Shariah takes into account the need to protect a person from severe hardship and harm. Therefore, if there is a strong likelihood that fasting will expose one’s Islam and cause significant harm, it is permissible to temporarily refrain from fasting. However, the importance and sanctity of fasting should remain in the heart, and one should intend to fulfill this obligation when the opportunity arises.

(2) In this case, Fidyah is not required; rather, Qada (making up the missed fasts later) will be necessary. This means that when circumstances improve and you are able to fast freely, you should make up for the number of fasts missed during this Ramadan.

(3) If there is genuine compulsion and a real fear of harm, and the fasts are missed because of that, then there is no sin. This is because Islamic law takes necessity and compulsion into consideration. However, once the situation becomes favorable, it will be necessary to make up those missed fasts.

However, it should be clearly understood that this permission applies only if there is a real and serious fear of harm from the parents, as described in the question. If, in reality, there is no strong likelihood of severe hardship or harm from revealing your Islam or from fasting, then it would not be permissible to leave the fasts, and in that case you would be required to observe them.

May Allah make your situation easy, protect your faith, and grant you strength and steadfastness.