Reflection by Sister Khadija
Winter is many things…
The snow is beautiful, with crystal dew drops hanging elegantly from the branches of trees. Temperatures are cold, below zero with a chilly wind that makes your nose red.
This time of year often makes us want to sleep in, drink loads of tea (or coffee, if you prefer), and laze away all day inside, curled up in the comfy confines of home.
But winter also has many blessings that we can (and should) take advantage of. The days are short, the nights are long, and the opportunities for barakah are endless. If we have the right intention, it can be filled with good deeds to fill our scales, inshaAllah!
Fasting on Shorter Days
‘Amir ibn Mas’ud reported: The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “Fasting in the winter is the easy reward.”
Source: Sunan al-Tirmidhī 797
Grade: Sahih (authentic) according to Al-Suyuti
These days, we only have to fast 12 hours or so. I realized that from the time I wake up to get ready for work, until I’m finished working in late afternoon, maghrib is very close.
Even if you’re not busy with work or school, fasting makes it easier for you to also fill your time with other good deeds. So, set your alarm for suhoor and make your intention to fast inshaAllah.
Taking Care of your Evening Routine
Since it now gets darker faster, our brains are inclined to think it’s already later in the evening. In the past, I felt grumpy that the days were over so quickly – but now, I look forward to it.
With shorter days, we can better make the most of our “night routines,” although I prefer thinking of it as an evening routine.
Here are some ideas that may help with a more productive evening:
1. As soon as you’re able to, read your evening adhkar – for blessings and protection.
a. Ibn Kathīr (raḥimahullāh) writes, “Wear the ‘coat’ of adhkār so it can protect you from the evil of humans and jinn. And cover your souls with istighfār (seeking forgiveness) so it can erase the sins of the night and day.’”
2. After praying isha, remind yourself that everything from this point on is critical to ending the day strong and starting the next morning even stronger, inshaAllah
3. Read Surah al-Mulk for protection from the grave
a. ‘Abd-Allah ibn Mas’ud said: Whoever reads Tabarak alladhi bi yadihi’l-mulk [i.e., Surat al-Mulk ] every night, Allah will protect him from the torment of the grave . At the time of the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) we used to call it al-mani’ah (that which protects). In the Book of Allah it is a surah which, whoever recites it every night has done very well. (Narrated by al-Nasai, 6/179; classed as hasan by al-Albani in Sahih al-Targhib wa’l-Tarhib, 1475.)
4. Complete any critical work or reply to important notifications, but turn your phone off after that.
a. Sleep mode or Do Not Disturb is great for iPhone
b. DON’T start doom-scrolling!
5. Begin your night routine early. There is no point in sleeping early if you start your night routine late.
6. Review some Qur’an before sleeping. These can be the shorter surahs you’ve memorized.
a. Ibn Mas’ud reported: The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “Wretched is one who says: I have forgotten such a verse. Rather, he was made to forget it. Strive to remember the Quran, for it is quicker to escape the hearts of men than camels.“
Source: Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī 5032, Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 790
Grade: Muttafaqun Alayhi (authenticity agreed upon) according to Al-Bukhari and Muslim
7. Make time for intentional reflection before sleeping, even for 5 minutes. This can be via journalling, if you prefer. Hold yourself to account, reflect on your weaknesses, how you can improve as a Muslim, and remember that your meeting with Allah SWT is much closer than you think.
8. Read a little about the righteous people before us.
a. One of the shuyukh was a guest teacher for our ‘Ilm Circle, and gave the following advice: “If you have one of these books near your bed and read before sleeping – within 1-2 years you will be familiar with these great, legendary personalities – you are creating a mental environment that you live, that’s part of what you life, and it influences your character. Whoever you read about – influences your mental environment, your character.”
Taking Part in Good Works During the Break
As Muslims, we don’t celebrate Christmas. However, many of us get a break during the winter season. We can fill our days with works of khair and more reward, inshaAllah.
There are many da’wah projects you can get involved with in NYM – whether locally or online. You can also support your local masjid by attending programs, volunteering, etc.
Many people think spending your time volunteering or working in the path of Allah takes a lot of time, energy, effort, etc. It does – but you can start out on a smaller level and stay more consistent. You will find it brings more energy, barakah, and purpose to your life!
“Mu’adh ibn Jabal cried as his death drew near and said ‘I weep at how I will miss feeling thirst from the midday heat [from fasting], standing in prayer during the long winter nights, and the crowds of students kneeling around the scholars in the circles of knowledge.’”
The amount of time we spend in this dunya is finite, so what will we do with it? We can start here and now, with making the most of these winter months.
