Praise be to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon the Messenger of Allah. To proceed:
First:
We congratulate this dear sister on the blessing of Islam, and we ask Allah to keep her steadfast, help her, and protect her from all harm.
There is no doubt that the fear and psychological and family pressure she is experiencing are severe and difficult, especially when she has little ability to become financially independent or leave her current environment.
Second: She is not required to tell her family about her Islam if she fears harm
If she knows or strongly believes that revealing her Islam would result in:
then she is not required to tell them that she has embraced Islam.
Rather, she may conceal her Islam until Allah grants her relief and a way out, as some believers did during times of weakness and persecution.
Third: She should plan for future independence
It is important for her to make the following among her goals:
Even if achieving this requires a long time and gradual steps, there is nothing wrong with that.
Fourth: What should she do if she is forced to prostrate before idols?
If she is genuinely coerced and fears serious harm to herself, she may outwardly comply in order to avoid harm, while her heart remains firm and reassured in faith, and she should intend in her heart that her prostration is for Allah, not for the idol.
Allah says:
“Except for one who is forced [to renounce his religion] while his heart is secure in faith.”
Scholars have stated that a person who is forced to outwardly perform an act of disbelief while faith remains firmly in the heart does not thereby become a disbeliever.
However, she must avoid this as much as she is able and participate only to the extent necessary to protect herself from harm.
Fifth: She should perform her acts of worship secretly according to her ability
She should pray as much as she is able, remember Allah, and read whatever she can of the Qur’an, even secretly.
As for what she is unable to do because of coercion and fear, Allah does not burden a soul beyond its capacity.
Allah says:
“So fear Allah as much as you are able.”
Sixth: Caution regarding inappropriate relationships
Feeling lonely or isolated does not justify becoming involved in a private relationship with an unrelated man under the pretext of emotional support or assistance. She should be mindful of this, observe the boundaries prescribed by Islam, and seek safe companionship with women if possible, or contact trustworthy organizations that assist new Muslims.
Conclusion
We ask Allah to keep her steadfast, protect her, and guide her affairs to what is right.