Answered by Shaykh Abdurrahman ibn Yusuf Mangera
I wanted to know if it was permissible to ”lie” if wanting to conceal ones good works. For example, the sweetness of the fast is when it is only between you and your Lord and no one else is aware therefore if someone notices you haven’t eaten and asks if you are fasting can you say no? It’s just sometimes you don’t want people to think you are something you are not and judge you on what they might perceive to be good. If that makes sense?
Assalamu alaykum
In the name of Allah, the Inspirer of truth.
Lying is prohibited in Islam and it is related that lying is the last thing that can come from a believer. The Messenger of Allah (upon him be peace) said: “Lying is improper whether in earnest or in jest, even if any one of you promises his child something and does not fulfill his promise.” (Al-Adab al-Mufrad and Sunan Abu Dawud).
Instead of lying you may avoid the question or pass it off by saying that you are on a special diet or something, (since you eating only twice a day before sunrise and after sunset). It would not be permissible to lie, which has only been permitted in extreme circumstances, like when the truth may lead to someone unjustly being killed, etc.
You may also want to consider the fact that there may be an uncomfortable good feeling when others find out that you are fasting. However, once this type of an encounter takes place a few times, you may cease to have this problem. The greatest benefit from it would be that the other person may also become inspired to fast.
Allah knows best.
Wassalam
Abdurrahman ibn Yusuf