As Salam Alaykum wa Rahmatullahi wa barakatuh. Me and my husband are planning more children inshAllah, but because of the reaction we got with our first baby (negative reaction), we have planned not to tell about our second baby first before the baby is already born. So I was wondering, is it halal for us to hold it as a secret from our family and friends until the baby is born? We have a plan of how to hold it as a secret without involving any lie.

All perfect praise be to Allaah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger.

It is permissible to conceal the news of pregnancy and hide it from friends, family and others, as this is among the matters which the Sharee‘ah has kept silent about, so by default it is permissible and authorized.

Abu Ad-Dardaa’ narrated that the Messenger of Allaah said:

“"What Allaah has made lawful in His Book is lawful and what He has forbidden is forbidden, and whatever He has kept silent about is allowed as His favor. So accept Allaah's favor, for Allaah is not forgetful of anything." He then recited, {And never is your Lord forgetful.} [Quran 19:64].” [Al-Bazzaar - Al-Albaani graded it Saheeh (sound)]

Allaah Knows best.