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Lesson Definition of Winter
Winter is one of the Seasons Allah Created for Many Wise Purposes.
The word Winter appeared only once in the Holy Quran, namely in Surah Quraysh: (For the accustomed security of Quraysh (2) Their accustomed security [in] the caravan of winter and summer.) The winter caravan is the trade trip Quraysh used to make in Winter towards Yemen, while their summer caravan headed to the Levant.
Winter is opposite to the summer, while both spring and fall are considered interim periods. Therefore, some scholars say that the year is only comprised of two seasons; summer and winter.
Winter is One Evidence of Allah Almighty's Power.
Allah, glory be to Him, alternates the day and night, the cold and heat, summer and winter. (In the creation of the heavens and the earth, and the variation of night and day, are signs for the possessors of understanding) (Al-Imran:190). Even if such a variation happens naturally, Allah has created their pattern to demonstrate His power and mercy.
Winter is an Opportunity to Use Time Effectively and to Reflect on Blessings
Winter, and the passing of time and seasons, is an opportunity to reflect on the past and to correct any remiss. One would remember the last winter and how it passed quickly, and how the new season is an opportunity to make up for any remiss in the past.
Allah glory is to Him, says: (And it is He Who made the Night and the Day follow each other: for such as have the will to celebrate His praises or to show their gratitude.)( Surah Al Furqan:62.) Omar ibn Al Khattab said: "Use the night to make up for what you missed during the day, for Allah made the Night and the Day follow each other: for such as have the will to celebrate His praises or to show their gratitude."
Winter is an opportunity to reflect on the blessings of Allah and the means He provided for warmth, such as wool and heating devices. Allah glory be to Him, says: (And cattle He has created for you (men), from them, you derive warmth and numerous benefits, and of their (meat) you eat.) (Surah Al Nahl:5) He reminds us that animals show gratitude: (If you are grateful, I will add more (favors) unto you; But if you show ingratitude, truly My punishment is terrible indeed.) (Ibrahim:7)
Severe cold embodies wisdom that we can conclude from the Hadith of Allah's Messenger ﷺ: «The (Hell) Fire complained to its Lord saying, 'O my Lord! My different parts eat up each other.' So, He allowed it to take two breaths, one in the winter and the other in summer, and this is the reason for the severe heat and the bitter cold you find (in the weather.» (Al-Bukhari, 3260, and Muslim, 617)
People in Hellfire are tortured with cold just as they are tortured with heat. Allah says: (Nothing cool shall they taste therein nor any drink. Save a boiling fluid, and a liquid, dark and murky, Intensely cold, A fitting recompense (For them.) (An-Naba:24-26) The verses refer to severe cold that is so cold it burns, people in Hell call for help when they feel the extreme heat, so they receive cold wind that hurts the bones, leading them to ask for heat again. May Allah save us from Hell.
A worshipper once said: Whenever I see snowfall, I remember the scrolls flying about on the day of resurrection.