Part 1: Praise and Reminder
All praise is for Allah. We thank Him, seek His help and ask His forgiveness. Winter has specific rulings, prophetic manners and etiquette. Believers should observe them carefully. Allah says: “Indeed, in the creation of the heavens and the earth and the alternation of the night and the day are signs for those of understanding.” [Aal ‘Imran: 190] This means we should learn from the changing weather, from hot to cold. Before winter, we may have struggled in the heat; now we seek warmth. These changes show Allah’s power and wisdom. Winter is also beneficial for our bodies. The alternation of cold and heat helps the body stay healthy.
Part 2: Performing Wudu in Cold Weather
- Doing wudu (ablution) in cold water is a good deed. It raises your ranks and wipes away sins.
The Prophet ﷺ said: “Shall I tell you what erases sins and raises ranks?” They said: “Yes, O Messenger of Allah.” He said: “Performing wudu in spite of hardship, walking to the mosques and waiting for prayer after prayer, this is Ribat (striving for Allah’s sake).” [Muslim]
- Abu ‘Abbas ibn ‘Abbas narrated: “Whoever stays in the mosque after prayer, walks to the congregations and performs wudu despite hardship, will live well, die well and his sins will be forgiven as if he was born anew.” [At-Tirmidhi]
Important notes:
- Do not deliberately choose cold water if hot water is available. Only those forced to use cold water due to circumstances should do so.
- Some people do wudu carelessly in cold water. If you don’t complete wudu or ghusl properly, your purification and prayers are invalid.
Part 3: Qiyam (Night Prayer) in Winter
Winter is called the spring of the believer because nights are long. Standing in prayer at night is easier and more rewarding. Abdullah ibn Mas’ud reported: “Two men whom Allah will make laugh: one who prays at night alone, performing full wudu, praises Allah and recites Qur’an secretly, Allah laughs at him.” [Al-Tabarani] Winter is a blessing for night prayer, giving us the opportunity to strive for Allah.
Part 4: Fasting in Winter
Fasting is a great act of worship. The Prophet ﷺ said: “Fasting is a shield. The fasting person has two moments of joy: when he breaks the fast and when he meets his Lord. The smell of his mouth is better to Allah than musk.” [Sahih al-Bukhari & Sahih Muslim] Allah says: “Every deed of the son of Adam is for him except fasting; it is for Me and I reward it.” [Bukhari & Muslim] Winter fasting is easier because days are short, reducing thirst and effort. Abu Huraira said: “Do you want me to show you the cool gain? Fasting in winter.” [Agreed upon]
Recommended:
- Fast on Mondays, Thursdays and the middle of the month (white days).
- At least three days each month are sufficient. The Prophet ﷺ said: “Fasting three days each month equals fasting the whole year.” [Sahih al-Bukhari & Muslim]
Part 5: Combining Prayers in Rain
In winter, rain is common. Combining prayers (Dhuhr–Asr or Maghrib–Isha) is permissible when rain is heavy. Abdullah ibn Abbas said: “The Prophet ﷺ combined prayers in Medina seven or eight times between Dhuhr–Asr and Maghrib–Isha in heavy rain.” [Sahih] Important: Only combine prayers when rain is severe and soaks clothes, not light rain.
Part 6: Masah (Wiping) Over Socks or Khuffs
- Residents: may wipe one day and night.
- Travelers: may wipe three days and nights.
Ali ibn Abi Talib said: “The Prophet ﷺ allowed wiping for one day and night for residents and three days and nights for travelers.” [Sahih Muslim]
- Masah is not valid on thin or see-through socks.
- Masah is valid on torn socks or khuffs.
Part 7: Tayammum (Dry Ablution) in Extreme Cold
If someone cannot use water due to cold or fear of illness/death, Tayammum is allowed. Allah says: “…If you do not find water, perform Tayammum.” [An-Nisa: 43]
Part 8: Appreciating Allah’s Blessings
Allah blessed us with:
- Warm clothing
- Food
- Safety for ourselves, families and property
Allah says: “And the cattle He has created for you; in them is warmth and benefits, and from them you eat.” [An-Nahl: 5] Be grateful and help those in need, remembering some are poor, hungry and cold.
Part 9: Being Mindful of Small Sins
Even small sins are dangerous. The believer fears them. Abdullah ibn Mas’ud said: “The believer sees his sins as if under a mountain ready to fall; the sinner sees his sins as a fly passing by.” [Bukhari]
Part 10: The Importance of Prayer
Prayer is the pillar of Islam. Some neglect Fajr, some do not pray in mosques and some abandon prayers completely. The Prophet ﷺ said: “The thing that separates a person from disbelief and shirk is abandoning prayer.” [Muslim] Neglecting prayer without excuse is major sin and may annul Islam.
Part 11: Repentance and Warning
Repent and seek Allah’s forgiveness. Allah says: “And repent to Allah, all of you, O believers, that you may succeed.” [An-Nur: 31] “O you who believe, repent to Allah with sincere repentance, that your Lord may remove your sins.” [At-Tahrim: 8]
Part 12: Remember the Fire
Cold winter is a small taste of Hell’s cold (Zamharir). The Prophet ﷺ said: “Fire complained to its Lord and Allah allowed it to have two breaths: one in winter and one in summer. The most intense heat and cold you feel are from them.” [Bukhari & Muslim] Flee from the Fire by obeying Allah.
Part 13: Dua for Protection
“O Allah, we seek refuge from the Fire, Your anger and severe punishment. Make us worship You always, in cold and heat, in winter and summer. O Most Merciful!”
download the pdf