Should I tell my parents and family members if I just accepted Islam and am afraid they will harm me? How do I pray, fast, and avoid pork if I am hiding my Islam from family?

Answered by Sh. Mustafa Umar1 min read

Short answer

You may keep your Islam a secret from your parents and family if you are quite sure they will make your life very difficult. You may pray through gestures or by leaving the house. If you are pressured to eat while fasting, you can eat to the extent that you have to and it will not break your fast. If you are strongly pressured or forced to eat pork, you may do that to the extent it is needed.

Can I take medicine that has ingredients derived from a pig, like gelatin or heparin?
All ingredients derived from a pig such as gelatin are forbidden to consume. However, when there is a medical need, then porcine-derived components (such as porcine gelatin or porcine heparin) are allowed only if: 1) there is no alternative medicine easily available 2) the illness is causing severe discomfort or disfunction in your body 3) it is not an experimental medicine which is unsure to work.
Can I make a vow to Allah? Does making a vow increases my chances of getting what I want? Should I give some charity if I get something I have wanted?
It is fine to make a vow to Allah to do something like fast one extra day or give some money in charity. This can help you follow through on doing a good deed so you take it more seriously. Conditional vows are disliked because it is like making a deal with Allah: “If you cure me I will give $1000 to the poor”. Conditional vows were criticized by the Prophet. They do not change Allah’s decision and do not help you increase the chances of Allah doing what you ask for. If something good happens, the only specific thing the Prophet recommended is to perform prostration (sajdat ush-shukr).
If I enter the masjid one or two minutes before the prayer begins, should I remain standing or sit down?
There is no benefit in remaining standing without praying.
Can I sterilize my pet by neutering or spaying them?
This is allowed if it is done for some benefit to either the owner or the animal.

Should I tell my parents and family members if I just accepted Islam and am afraid they will harm me? How do I pray, fast, and avoid pork if I am hiding my Islam from family?

Short answer

Related questions

Can I take medicine that has ingredients derived from a pig, like gelatin or heparin?

Can I make a vow to Allah? Does making a vow increases my chances of getting what I want? Should I give some charity if I get something I have wanted?

If I enter the masjid one or two minutes before the prayer begins, should I remain standing or sit down?

Can I sterilize my pet by neutering or spaying them?