Praise be to Allah.
You do not have to announce your Islam, whether officially or to your family, and it is permissible to keep it a secret if there is some fear of harm. As for marriage, however, the sunnah is to announce it, because the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Announce marriages.”
(Reported by Imaam Ahmad in Musnad ‘Abd-Allaah ibn al-Zubayr; classed as hasan in Saheeh al-Jaami’, 1072). If a marriage is announced in one city or location, it need not be announced in another, but we do not advise you to conceal the news of your marriage, especially since such news usually becomes known eventually. This news is likely to be a big shock to the first wife, so announcing the marriage is in the interests of all concerned, as it establishes fair and just treatment for both wives. And Allaah is the Source of strength.
Comment