Winter – The Season of Benefit

It is reported from Abu Hurayrah – may Allah be pleased with him – that he said, “Shall I not point you to comfortable proceeds?” People responded, “And what is that O Abu Hurayrah?” He replied, “Fasting in winter.” The Arabs used to refer to matters which were relatively easy to gain as being cool. In this narration, the relative ease of fasting in winter and its consequent reward is likened to acquiring war proceeds without the heat of violence.It is reported from ‘Umar – may Allah be pleased with him – that he said: “Winter is booty for the devout worshippers.”

This is further explained in the following narration:It is reported from ‘Ubayd b. ‘Umayr – may Allah have mercy on him – that he said: “It used to be said when winter came: O people of the Qur`an, the night has become long so you can pray (more) and the day has become short for you to fast.” – Abu Nu’aym, Hilyat al-Awliyaa`

As with other experiences in this world, the Salaf used to be reminded of the hereafter when experiencing cold weather:

It is reported from the famous worshipper Rabi`ah – Allah have mercy on her – that she said: “I have never heard the adhan except that I remember the caller who will announce the Day of Resurrection, and I never see the falling snow except that I imagine the flying pages of the records of peoples deeds (on that day), and I never see swarms of locusts except that I think about the Great Gathering on the Last Day.” – Ibn al-Jawzi, Sifat as-Safwah 2/433.