WINTER IS HERE. It can be dreary and depressing in Northern countries and at times overwhelming.
So here is something to think about to change our perspectives and give us some hope and inspiration.
Imam al-Hasan al-Basri (may Allah have mercy on him) said: ‘The best season to a believer is the winter. Its nights are long for those who wish to pray, and its days are short for those who wish to fast.’
Rather than feeling depressed and down, let us use these days and nights to maximize our rewards and keep our spirits up with ibadah and reflection.
1. The night prayer and recitation
The night is so long now that it is easier to wake and engage in prayer, recitation and contemplation without it affecting the day to come.
إِنَّ نَاشِئَةَ ٱلَّيْلِ هِىَ أَشَدُّ وَطْـًۭٔا وَأَقْوَمُ قِيلًا
‘Indeed, the night prayer makes a deeper impression and more suitable for (understanding) the Word (of Allah).’ (Muzammil 6)
And for the troubled heart and worried mind:
ۗ أَلَا بِذِكْرِ ٱللَّهِ تَطْمَئِنُّ ٱلْقُلُوبُ
‘Indeed, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest.’ (ar-Rad 13)
The Messenger ﷺ said: “Hold on tight to the night prayer. Indeed it is the habit of the righteous who came before you. It brings you close to your Lord, wipes away your sins and prevents you from sinning.” (Tirmidhī)
2. The fasts
With the fast a mere 9-10 hours long, iftar is nothing more than a late lunch- an easy reward but with great benefit.
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: “Fasting in winter is the easy prize.” (Tirmidhī)
And he ﷺ said: “No servant fasts on a day for the sake of Allah except that Allah removes the Hell Fire seventy years further away from his face.” (Muslim)
Its benefits can be felt throughout the day as fasting makes us more aware of Allah ﷻ, so drawing us away from other concerns.
3. Reflection on Creation
It may be cold but I always encourage people to go for a walk, especially in open places and parks. It is good to be out, not only to get some fresh air and much-needed exercise but also because we can reflect on Allah’s ﷻ creation. For instance, have you seen the beauty of the frost or sun shining through the morning mist? Have you seen the little things- the patterns on the tree bark or the squirrels rushing around the leaf litter? How beautiful is Allah’s ﷻ creation?
And like the bare trees which wait to come back to life in the spring, this winter too may be challenging, but it will get better.
فَإِنَّ مَعَ ٱلْعُسْرِ يُسْرًا إِنَّ مَعَ ٱلْعُسْرِ يُسْرًۭا
‘For indeed, with hardship [will be] ease. Indeed, with hardship [will be] ease.’ (ash-Sharh 5-6)
4. Shukr
For many of us, we have the comfort of food, clothing and our homes to protect us from the worst of the cold weather. But for so many across the world, winter is harsh and full of suffering. This is a time to be thankful for the blessings that Allah has given us and a time to act to alleviate the suffering of those less fortunate.
Living For Islam 