Winter is the believer's springtime

There are several practices and specific regulations for winter. Allah Ta'ala says, 'And He has made followers of each other day and night, for whoever wants to be admonished or grateful.' (Sura-25 Furqan, verse: 62) 'Allah rotates the day and the night, surely in it there is a lesson for the wise.' (Sura-24 Noor, verse: 44) Hazrat Umar (RA) said, 'Winter is a reward for those who worship.'

Winter is such a booty (war booty), which is acquired without any bloodshed or effort and trouble. Everyone gets this booty spontaneously without any loss and enjoys it without any effort or toil.

Winter is the golden season for Nafal fasting. Winter days are also very suitable for fasting if there is fasting. On the authority of Hazrat Abu Saeed Khudri (R.A.), the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.) said, 'Winter is the springtime of the believer.' (Musnad Ahmad). 'Because the winter nights are long, the believer can offer Nafl prayers at night and fast because the days are short.' (air hocey)

The Prophet (PBUH) said, 'Cold booty is fasting in winter.' (Tirmidhi: 795) In the words of the Qur'an, 'They sleep only a small part of the night, and in the last hour of the night they seek forgiveness.' (Sura-51 Zariat, Verses: 17-18

Proper ablution in winter, being careful in washing the ablutions is especially important. Rasulullah (SAW) said, 'Three acts expiate sins: alms in times of crisis, fasting in summer and ablution in winter.' (Ad Dua Lit Tabarani: 1414) Rasul Akram (PBUH) also said, 'Shall I not tell you? What will forgive your sins! And will increase the dignity!' Companions said, of course! O Messenger of God (PBUH)! He said, 'Perform ablution properly despite the hardships of winter.' (Muslim: 251; Qurtubi)

Hazrat Umar (RA) said to his son, 'A good ablution on a winter day is important and rewarding.' Narrated by Hazrat Abu Hurairah (RA), the Prophet (PBUH) said, 'Shall I not tell you about such actions! By which sins are forgiven and dignity increased?'

Companions said, of course, O Messenger of God! He said, 'Doing ablution even if you don't want to, going to the mosque with extra steps and waiting for one prayer after another.' (Muslim)

Use of hot water for ablution and bathing, wiping with dry cloth and provision of Tayammum: There is no obstacle to perform ablution with hot water if it is difficult in severe winter. There is no prohibition to wipe the body parts with a dry cloth after ajju. If the severity of winter is unbearable, there is no opportunity to use hot water and there is a strong risk of physical harm from using cold water, then Tayammum can be performed instead of ablution and bath. (Bayhaqi, Volume: 1, Hadith: 226, Al-Fiqhul Islami, Al-Badayus Sanayi)

It is Sunnah to wear warm clothes in winter. Hazrat Umar (RA) used to write to the governor during his rule on the arrival of winter, 'Winter has come, it is the enemy of your body. Therefore, prepare woolen clothes, socks, gloves etc. to prevent it. And protect the skin and clothing of the body with fur. Because, winter enters very quickly, but does 

not depart easily.'

In the case of Ajr, there is a provision to perform maseh on the socks without washing the feet. But in this case you have to wear socks after ablution. A 'Musafir' (traveller) can perform Masah for three days and three nights (72 hours) and a 'Mukim' (resident) can perform Masah for one day and one night (24 hours).

After this period, if ablution is required, remove the socks and wash the feet and perform ablution. Many mujtahid faqihs only allow performing maseh on leather socks. Hazrat Mughira Ibn Shuba (R.A.) narrated that the Prophet (S.A.W.) also performed maseh on cloth socks (Zawrabeen) and shoes. (Tirmidhi: 99; Abu Dawud: 159) Based on this hadith, other mujtahid faqihs allow performing maseh on cloth socks and shoes that cover the soles of the feet.

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