Is it obligatory to accept an invitation when one is observing a voluntary fast, and what is the best course of action?
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The questioner : If a person is observing a voluntary fast and is invited to a wedding feast, should he accept the invitation or complete his fast, and what is the best course of action?
The Shaykh : He may accept the invitation and not eat; the matter is broad. He can sit with them at the table without eating, but rather serve his brothers who are at the table by serving them food, cutting meat for them, and the like, thereby assisting them so that they do not realize he is fasting. Then, if they do realize he is fasting, there is no harm, because this is not showing off in worship (riya'). The man did not come to show people that he is fasting; he came to accept the invitation. So he should accept it and does not need to eat. However, if we assume that the heart of the inviter, meaning the host of the feast, is not comforted unless he eats, then he should eat, as that is better than completing his fast, due to the comfort it brings to the heart. Yes.
The questioner : May Allah reward you with good.
The Shaykh : He may accept the invitation and not eat; the matter is broad. He can sit with them at the table without eating, but rather serve his brothers who are at the table by serving them food, cutting meat for them, and the like, thereby assisting them so that they do not realize he is fasting. Then, if they do realize he is fasting, there is no harm, because this is not showing off in worship (riya'). The man did not come to show people that he is fasting; he came to accept the invitation. So he should accept it and does not need to eat. However, if we assume that the heart of the inviter, meaning the host of the feast, is not comforted unless he eats, then he should eat, as that is better than completing his fast, due to the comfort it brings to the heart. Yes.
The questioner : May Allah reward you with good.