What is the ruling on lying to escape showing off, such as when a fasting person says, "I am not fasting" to escape showing off?
Source: FtawySummary from Ftawy's records · added here Sep 2, 2026
It is not permissible to lie to avoid showing off. However, one may use ma'arid (allusive speech or dissimulation) when there is a need or a legitimate benefit. For instance, there is no harm in a person saying "Praise be to Allah" to someone who invited him to eat, while intending that he is fasting. However, it is not considered showing off to inform an inquirer about one's fasting if asked, as it has been narrated in the for a fasting person to say: "Indeed, I am fasting." It is also permissible to announce one's fasting with a good intention, such as encouraging others to follow suit.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
Read the full answer on Ftawyhttps://ftawy.com/en/questions/46050
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- Ftawy
- Original fatwa ID
- 46050
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- . This is when the answer was added to El Fatwa, not the fatwa's date.
- Text
- Summary from Ftawy's records, reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
- Read the full ruling
- Read the full answer on Ftawy