Preparing for Winter with Compassion and Faith: An Islamic Perspective

PREPARING FOR WINTER WITH FAITH AND COMPASSION: As the cold season approaches, millions of innocent Muslims worldwide prepare to face the deadly challenges of winter. Yet, in this time of global hardship, Allah ﷻ presents us with many divine opportunities to strengthen our emaan and draw closer to Him.

Our beloved Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was reported to have said, “Winter is the best season for the believer. Its nights are long for him to pray in, and its days are short for him to fast in.” –[Narrated by Imam Al-Tirmidhi]. This hadith is a reminder that winter is an ideal time to increase our Ibadah and embody the Sunnah.

Allahﷻ says in the Quran, “And from [part of] the night, pray with it as additional [worship] for you; it is expected that your Lord will resurrect you to a praised station.” [Surah Al-Isra, 17:79].

Winter nights offer extended hours between Isha and Fajr, providing ample opportunity to stack our deeds. Qiyamulail, meaning “standing in the night”, refers to any voluntary or sunnah prayers performed after Isha.

Tahajjud, while not obligatory, are night prayers performed after a period of sleep. Contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to wake up hours before Fajr to offer Tahajjud. Even if you wake up 30 minutes before Fajr and pray the Sunnah prayers, you’ve effectively fulfilled Tahajjud.

Rasulullah ﷺ emphasised the significance of these night prayers. ‘Amr ibn ‘Abasah reported, Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said, “The closest of servants to their Lord are those who pray at the end of the night. If you can be among those who remember Allah in this moment, then do so.” –[Narrated by Imam Al-Tirmidh].

Performing Tahajjud prayer also makes sure you perform Fajr prayers on time. Tahajjud prayers are part of Qiyamulail, but Qiyamulail prayers are not necessarily tahajjud prayers.

Winter’s shorter days offer a gracious opportunity to make up missed Ramadan fasts or observe voluntary fasts. The Prophet ﷺ encouraged fasting during specific days:

1.The three white days (Ayyam al-Bid): 13th, 14th, and 15th of each Islamic month.

2.Mondays and Thursdays.

Abu Dharr narrated: “Prophet Muhammad commanded us to fast the three days of Al-Bid, the thirteenth, fourteenth and fifteenth.” –[An-Nasa’i].

It was also narrated that ‘Aishah said, “Rasulullah used to fast Sha`ban and Ramadan, and he made sure to fast on Mondays and Thursdays.” –[An-Nasa’i].

These voluntary fasts not only earn us immense ajr, but also prepare our minds, bodies and souls for the holy month of Ramadan.

The importance of preparing for winter with faith and compassion is unparalleled. Islam places a huge importance on self-care and caring for others. Part of being able to submit yourself to extra worship means being healthy enough to do so. Umar ibn al-Khattab رضي الله عنه would write to the Companions رضي الله عنهم during winter, advising: “Winter, which is an enemy, has come, so prepare for it with wool, leather socks, and socks. Use wool as your under-clothing and outer-clothing because the cold is an enemy that enters quickly but leaves slowly.”

This advice reminds us that caring for our physical health is crucial for maintaining our spiritual well-being. Moreover, our faith calls us to extend our care to others. Allah’s Messenger ﷺ said: “None of you truly believes until he loves for himself what he loves for others.” –[Bukhari, Muslim]. As the cold intensifies, check on vulnerable community members, relatives and neighbours. It is our collective duty as an Ummah to ensure they have the necessities to stay warm, healthy and safe.

Winter can be particularly brutal for those lacking adequate resources, such as food, clothing and shelter. As members of the global Muslim Ummah, we must help those facing extreme hardship. Let’s provide for families in need this winter, alleviating the suffering that Allah ﷻ, in His Infinite Mercy, has spared us from. Let’s fulfil our obligation to our brothers and sisters in faith and earn the pleasure of Allah ﷻ.

May He protect us all, guide us to use this winter to elevate our deen, and make us sources of comfort and support for others. Ameen.