Salamun alaykum,
Winter Blues:
Once again Winter has arrived. When one thinks of winter what image
comes to mind? I picture cold winds, falling snow, steaming cups of hot
chocolate, thick blankets, heaters on, dry skin, short days and long nights.
These are the images that come to my mind. It is understandable that
Winter may not be everyone’s favourite season; the cold weather and the
shorter days due to early sunset. Thus, some people notice they have less
energy and aren’t feeling as positive as they usually do. This is the time
when they suffer from what is known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
or commonly known as the Winter blues.
A different perspective:
While many may be shivering and complaining of the cold weather and
darkness, we as Mumineen are invited to view the coming of winter through
a completely different lens. In fact, Winter is a huge n’imah- blessing-
from among the innumerable, countless blessings of Allah SWT. For those
who wish to develop spiritually, strengthening Taqwa; our relationship to
Allah SWT. Then this season is one of the most beautiful opportunities. How
can we do that?
Banish the winter doldrums:
I would like to share with you four practical tips to help drive away the
winter blues and draw us closer to Allah SWT. Thus, uplifting our spiritual
energy and overcoming feelings of inactivity.
(1) Increase Ibadah: 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.” 6 th 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 Noble Quran or pray
Tahajjud / Salatul Layl, the night prayer.
31 st October, 2025
Issue No: 478 7 th Jamaadi al Ula, 1447 A.H.
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 Shaf’a and 1
rakat Salatul Witr?
Tahajjud salat Apps & Books visit www.academyofislam.com/tahajjud OR
https://www.duas.org/mobile/tahajjud-salat-shab.html
(2) Increase Ibadah: Fasting:
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 the mustahab -recommended- fasting on Mondays, Thursdays
and the 13 th ,14 th and 15 th 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?
To be continued next week InshAllah
This season is an opportunity to devotedly worship Allah SWT when He has
made it so easy for us so that when circumstances become difficult, we
would have become resilient in our faith.
Wa ma tawfiqi illa billah.
With salaams and duas,
Fazle Abbas
Sheikh Fazle Abbas Datoo BA(Hons),Cert. Ed.(DTLLS)
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Resident Alim
Wessex Shia Ithna Asheri Jamaat