Which of the two is more sinful: the hypocrite who claims to be fasting while secretly eating and drinking in Ramadan, or the one who openly eats and drinks in broad daylight during Ramadan?

It is forbidden to break the fast in Ramadan without a legitimate excuse, and whoever does so commits a grave major sin. This is indicated by the Hadith of Abu Umamah al-Bahili, may Allah be pleased with him, from the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, regarding his dream about those who break their fast before their fasting is complete, that they were "suspended by their hamstrings, their jawbones torn, and blood flowing from their jawbones." And whoever wakes up not fasting and did not intend to fast at all, is even more blameworthy.

Al-Dhahabi said: "It is established among the believers that whoever abandons the fast of Ramadan without illness or a valid reason is worse than an adulterer, a tax collector, and an alcoholic. In fact, they doubt his Islam and suspect him of heresy and degeneracy."

The one who openly breaks the fast commits a greater sin than the one who does it secretly, because he adds to his sin the act of contempt, encouraging others to break the fast, and spreading evil. The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: "All of my Ummah are forgiven except for those who publicize their sins."