Q: Not disclosing information due to fear of envy. Is it okay to avoid a question or not answer it truthfully out of fear of envy and jealousy?
During my last pregnancy, I shared the good news openly with my immediate family, not thinking that they would be jealous. I went through quite a few problems after. Since then I have come to realise through experience that some of my family are very envious especially my sister in law. This time I don’t feel right to share any good news with them at all. I can see from their facial expressions and actions that they do not rejoice in my happiness so now that I have gotten good news Alhamdulillah I feel like keeping it discreet.
I am confused and need to know if this is even okay. I don’t want to displease Allah by lying. Allah is The Protecter, but at the same time I don’t know if I should keep this news to myself, as I have read it in a Hadith. Please advise me as to what is the best approach Islamically.
A: Yes, it is permissible.
And Allah Ta’ala (الله تعالى) knows best.
Answered by:
Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)