Winter is the Spring of the Believer
Allah’s Messenger (saw) said, “Winter is the Spring of the believer. Its nights are long for him to pray in, and its days are short for him to fast in.”
This quote serves as a source of inspiration for Muslims, helping us become more self reflective, grateful, and work towards establishing a stronger bond with Allah (swt).
1. Pray and Fast
Though we often associate winter with seasonal blues, these are in fact some of the best months of the year to increase our supplications – short days make fasting easier on our bodies, and long nights give us time to complete our prayers.
There are also extra rewards in this season; Ibn Rajab (may Allah mercy him) said: “Praying at the night of winter equals fasting at the day of summer.”
2. Perform Wadu During Fajr
Making wudu during winter can be challenging during Fajr. However, getting out of a warm bed and performing this obligatory ghusl can bring numerous rewards.
Abu Hurayrah reported the Messenger of Allah (saw) said: "Shall I not tell you something by which Allah erases sins and elevates ranks (in Paradise)?" The Companions said: "Certainly, O Messenger of Allah."
He said: "Performing the ablution properly even in difficulty, increasing attendance of prayer in the mosque, and waiting for the next prayer after observing one prayer; and this is jihad." [Muslim]
3. Care for Others
As Muslims, we should consider it our duty to think about other people’s welfare. The Messenger of Allah (saw) said: "None of you truly believes until he loves for himself what he loves for others.' [Bukhari, Muslim]
Abd Allah ibn Salam (Ra) reports that Prophet Muhammad (saw) said, “O people! Spread the salams, feed others, maintain family ties, and pray at night when others sleep and you will enter Heaven safely.” [Tirmidhi, Hakim]
Simple acts of kindness like preparing a hot meal for a neighbor, picking up groceries for an elderly relative, or helping a needy family with essentials, can go a long way and bring you tremendous reward in this life and in the hereafter InshAllah.
4. Make Heartfelt Duas
Making dua is a direct means of communicating with our Creator, a moment of becoming vulnerable to Him and submitting to Him alone. Pray with sincerity, pour your heart to Allah(swt). He is the only one capable of approving our prayers.
Winter provides more opportunities for our prayers to be accepted. The Prophet Muhammad (saw) said: “Two are not rejected: the du‘ā’ made at the time of adhān, and under the rain.” [Ḥākim].
Let’s take advantage of this season, and hope that our prayers will be accepted.
5. Help the Vulnerable
During the winter months, underprivileged families face the cold season without food, heating, warm clothes, and blankets. The most vulnerable are at risk of serious illnesses and even death.
People struck by poverty rely on the generosity of donors like you to keep them warm and safe.
Donate to our Surviving Winter Appeal and help families. Gain endless rewards in this world and in the hereafter.
Practice Gratitude in Adversity
Winter is associated with harsh conditions serving as a reminder to show gratitude in times of adversity. Regardless of our circumstances, as Muslims we are encouraged to be patient. "And We will surely test you with something of fear and hunger and a loss of wealth and lives and fruits but give good tidings to the patient." (Quran 2:155)
