Salamun alaykum,
Is winter your favourite season?
Severe winds, storms and low temperatures is now the characteristic tone of weather forecasts in UK by the Met office. Winter has arrived. When I think of winter, cold weather, snow, hot chocolate, thick blankets, heaters, dry skin, short days and long nights are the things that come to my mind. Winter may not be the favourite season for many because of the cold weather and the days becoming shorter due to early sunset. Thus, some people are noticing they have less energy and aren’t feeling as positive as they usually do. This is the time when they suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), also known as the Winter blues.
But while many may be shivering and complaining of this weather and darkness, we as mumineen can see the coming of winter in a totally different light. Winter is a huge n’imah- blessing- from among the innumerable, uncountable blessings of Allah SWT. If one desires then Winter season can be transformed to one of the best occasions to develop spiritually, strengthen Taqwa; our relationship to Allah SWT.
Banish the winter doldrums:
Here are three tips to drive away the winter blues and build closer our relationship to Allah SWT. Thus, boosting our spiritual productivity and pushing away inactivity.
Increase Ibadah: Fasting and praying:
“Winter is the springtime of a believer. Its nights are long, so he can make use of them to stand in prayer, whereas its days are short, and he can make use of them to fast.” 6th Imam Jafar al Sadiq a.s.
The long winter nights allow one to enjoy the taste of ‘ibadah through the night vigils. Due to nights being long one can have one’s share of sleep and then get up earlier before Fajr to recite from the Quran or pray Tahajjud / Salatul Layl, the night prayer. If you haven’t offered Salatul Layl previously then Winter is the best time to commence praying this splendid prayer.
Why not commence with offering at least the 2 rakats Salatul Shifa’ and 1 rakat Salatul Witr?
Tahajjud salat Apps & Books visit www.academyofislam.com/tahajjud OR https://www.duas.org/mobile/tahajjud-salat-shab.html
Further since winter is colder and the days are shorter fasting is much easier this time. One doesn’t really get thirsty or even feel hungry as one would do whilst fasting in the Summer season of long and hot days. Wouldn’t this be a perfect time to repay the qadha fasts and catch up on the mustahab ones?
Why not try fasting on Mondays, Thursdays and the 13th,14th and 15th of the Islamic month?
The Noble Prophet s.a.w.w. stated, “Fasting in the winter is the easy prize.”
The meaning of it being an easy prize is that the prize is obtained without struggle or hardship. Wouldn’t you like to grab this wonderful opportunity to reap the rewards of fasting with minimal effort?
Ponder over the Creation of Allah:
Take a walk during the cold and feel the icy chill wind blowing on your face. Look at the trees and bushes bare of their leaves and flowers. Observe the animals gone into hibernation. Watch the thick dark clouds hanging overhead illuminated by rays from the hidden Sun. Admire the amazing spectacles around you. Haven’t the scenes become different to what they were earlier in Summer?
Imagine the trees and animals come back to life when winter is over and, remember how Allah SWT brings the dead back to life.
“Look then at the signs of Allah's mercy, how He revives the earth after its death, most surely He is the reviver of the dead; and He has power over all things.” (Sura ar Room 30:50)
SubhanAllah- Glory be to Allah- through these signs one is invited to reflect on the Oneness and Greatness of our beloved Khaaliq (Creator) and Rabb (Nourisher) Allah SWT. Wouldn’t you like to increase your thawab by pondering over these signs?
Caring for the needy:
We are blessed to have all the provisions of shelter, heating, clothing, food and other necessities of life to cope with the Winter. Sadly, in other parts of the world there is much difficulty of extreme cold, poor heating, hunger experienced by people suffering due to poverty, war or fleeing their homes. Locally, homelessness has been rising. The number of people visiting food banks and shelters is increasing.
How can you emulate the way of Ahlul Bayt a.s.?
Perform sadaqah through volunteering, distributing food, supporting winter blanket drives and other Winter charity projects. Try to involve your family, especially the children in these activities.
Let’s drive away the Winter blues. Revive the spiritual hearts in this season of springtime for believers. Enjoy the virtues of winter.
Wa ma tawfiqi illa billah.
With salaams and duas,
Sheikh Fazle Abbas Datoo
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Resident Alim
Wessex Shia Ithna Asheri Jamaat