Gaining Reward in Winter

The phrase, “a blessing in disguise”, couldn’t be truer for the season of winter. Gloomy mornings, icy fingertips and shorter days doesn’t seem a blessing most of us would be praying for. But the truth is, winter provides believers with the perfect opportunity to strive harder, to stay motivated and connected to Allah (‘azza wa jal; The Possessor of Complete Glory and Majesty). It is a time where blessings descend, and where the nights are lengthened for prayer and days shortened for fasting.

Making wudu in the cold is one of the best actions:

Making wudu during winter takes a lot of effort, especially at Fajr time, when it feels very unfair to face the cold so soon after leaving our warm beds. But did you know that performing wudu in spite of difficulties is a highly recommended action? On the authority of Abu Hurairah (radiAllahu ‘anhu; may Allah be pleased with him), Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ; peace be upon him) said: “’Shall I tell you that for which Allah will wipe out your sins, and raise your ranks?’ They [the Companions] said, ‘Of course Allah’s Messenger!’ He said: ‘Performing Wudu well in difficulty, and taking many steps to the Masajid, and waiting for Salat after Salat; that is the Ribat (the fortress)’.” [Tirmidhi]

Ibn Rajab al-Hanbal comments, with regards to this hadith, ‘Performing wudu in the intense cold is one of the best actions’. He adds that, on his deathbed, Umar ibn al-Khattab advised his son Abdullah (radiAllahu ‘anhum; may Allah be pleased with them) that ‘performing wudu during the days of winter’ is one of ‘the characteristics of iman (faith)’. [Source: Laṭā’if al-Ma’ārif]

It’s the season for caring for our loved ones:

The harsh weather of winter leaves many people vulnerable, especially the elderly or families who struggle to pay for heating. As Muslims, it is important for us to regularly check up on our family, friends and neighbours during the cold season. A simple action, like sending some nourishing soup to an elderly neighbour, can go a long way.

It is also important for us to care for vulnerable families who are less close to home, such as refugees who don’t have the essential winter items they need to cope with the rain and snow. Remember the compassion Umar (radiAllahu ‘anhu; may Allah be pleased with him) displayed towards vulnerable Muslims living far from home. On the authority of Sulaim ibn ‘Amir, who said, ‘When winter would come, ‘Umar ibn al-Khattab (radiAllahu ‘anhu; may Allah be pleased with him) would be extra mindful and would write to them [the Companions living in Sham who were not used to its cold], with the advice, “Winter has come, and it is an enemy, so fully prepare for it with wool, leather boots (Khuff) and socks. Use wool as your under-clothing and outer-clothing, because the cold is an enemy that enters quickly but leaves slowly”’. [Source: Laṭā’if al-Ma’ārif]

Allah has given us warmth for this season:

Not only has Allah (subhanahu wa ta'ala; May He be glorified and exalted) created a season packed with opportunities for reward, He has also enabled us to protect ourselves from the cold. Next time you put on a jumper or an extra pair of socks, remember this ayah from Surah Al-Nahl: “And the grazing livestock He has created for you; in them is warmth and (numerous) benefits, and from them you eat.” [Surah An-Nahl 16:5]

While the weather outside is frightful, being warm and cosy is a delightful pleasure, so don’t forget to thank Allah for it. May Allah make it easy for us all to worship Him in the best of ways, Ameen.

One of the best times to make dua is when we experience the blessing of rain, something we find no shortage of in winter. It was narrated from ‘Aishah (radiAllahu ‘anha; may Allah be pleased with her) that when the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ; peace be upon him) saw rain, he would say: [Bukhari]