Winter's End

Today marks the last day of Winter in Australia. I'm kind of sad because it's my second favourite season, my favourite being Autumn. In Sydney, Winter is cold but not freezing; there's morning dew but no snow; drizzle but no storms. Two layers of clothing suffices.

Winter is a time of stability. Its cooler temperatures and long nights facilitate introspection. Outside it's cool and and cloudy, inside it's warm and cosy. Thus, unlike Summer, one can stay indoors all day without feeling like one is missing out on something. 

For some, however, Winter is a time of dread. There is an illness called Seasonal Affective Disorder, appropriately abbreviated as SAD. SAD occurs when people who are otherwise healthy throughout the year develop symptoms of depression during either the winter or the summer. Thus, SAD is also known as 'Winter blues' or 'Summertime blues.' 

In contrast, for Muslims, Winter is a great time of the year. It is reported that the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of God be upon him) said: “Winter is the best season for the believer. Its nights are long for him to pray in, and its days are short for him to fast in” (al-Haythami). Moreover, Imam Ahmad relates from the narrations of Abu Sa’id al-Khudri, may God be pleased with them, from the Prophet, that he said, “Winter is the springtime of the believer” (Bayhaqi). Winter is like springtime because just as cows fatten up during the Spring by eating lush grass, the believer 'fattens up' during the Winter by lots of worship.

mam Ahmad relates from the narrations of Abu Sa’id al-Khudri, may Allah be pleased with him, from the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah upon him, that he said, “Winter is the springtime of the believer.” [1] - See more at: http://www.newislamicdirections.com/nid/notes/the_virtues_of_winter#sthash.EW2aPZqF.dpuf

 
With these points in mind, I've compiled a short poem to celebrate Winter.


Winter

Wintery days

You've come and gone

Short days

Long nights

You've sung your song

Of cool breezes

Morning frost

And chilly nights
Hours worshipping in candlelight

Wrapped up in a blanket
On a woollen rug

A dark grey hug

Rainy August days
Time to mend one's ways