Health encompasses the body, the mind, and the
soul. It forms the essential foundation of worship, because without it,
practices such as fasting (Roza), prayer (Salat), and other
virtuous acts become difficult to perform. Allah says in the Holy Qur’an: “Do not throw yourselves into destruction with your own
hands.” (Al-Baqara 2: 196)
This verse establishes a fundamental principle: safeguarding one’s health is not only a personal responsibility but also a spiritual obligation.
With the arrival of winter, we witness one of
the great signs of Allah’s perfect creation. Each season has a divine purpose –
cold balances extreme heat, just as day balances night. Allah says in the
Qur’an: “He has subjected the sun and the moon,
each running for an appointed term.” (Az-Zumar
39: 6)
Human beings, just like our planet, require
balance: thermal, emotional, nutritional, and spiritual. To better understand
thermal balance, consider this: when a warm object comes into contact with a
cold one, heat flows naturally from the warmer to the cooler object until both
reach the same temperature. At that point, we say they are in thermal
equilibrium. Similarly, the human body needs balance – neither too hot nor too
cold, but a harmonious internal state.
In winter, this need becomes more evident. The
elderly, children, and those who are unwell must be protected from respiratory
infections, chills, and weakened immune systems. Even a prophet, as a human
being, must take care of his health!
The Holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) himself maintained
a balanced diet. He would, for instance, eat rutabs (fresh dates)
alongside melon or watermelon to harmonise heat and moisture in his diet – an
indication of the care he took regarding health and bodily balance.
Islam teaches prevention before cure. The
Messenger of Allah (pbuh) said: “Allah has not sent down any disease without
also sending down its cure.” (Bukhari)
So, during winter, it is recommended that we:
1. Wear warm clothing;
2. Avoid cold and fizzy drinks;
3. Consume natural remedies such as honey,
ginger, dates, warm spiced soups, and herbal teas;
It is my hope that you benefit from these advices
to strengthen your immunity and follow the prophetic practices of Hazrat Muhammad
(pbuh) in maintaining good health. Let us not forget that the Qur’an also
mentions the healing properties of certain plants and substances like honey: “There emerges from their bellies (i.e. the bees) a drink of varying
colours, in which there is healing for people.” (An-Nahl 16: 70)
Winter and summer also remind us of spiritual
truths. The Holy Prophet (pbuh) said: “When the heat becomes intense, delay
the Zuhr prayer, for the severity of the heat is from the exhalations of Hell.”
(Bukhari)
This Hadith offers a profound reminder: the
extreme temperatures on Earth are a symbolic illustration of the punishments of
the Hereafter. In another authentic Hadith, the Prophet (pbuh) said: “Hell
complained to its Lord saying: ‘O my Lord, parts of me are consuming other
parts!’ So Allah allowed it two breaths: one in winter and one in summer. That
is why you experience both extreme heat and bitter cold.” (Bukhari)
Thus, winter – though physically cold – is also
a spiritual reminder. It is a season ripe with spiritual opportunity. Hazrat
Muhammad (pbuh) said: “Winter is the springtime of the believer. Its days
are short, making fasting easier; and its nights are long, making prayer more
comfortable.” (Bayhaqi)
This Hadith beautifully summarises the essence
of the season: short days allow believers to fast with ease, while long nights
offer time for Salat and Duahs, especially Salat-ul-Layl
(the Night Prayer, Tahajjud), performed in calmness (i.e. the silence of
the night) and serenity. Hazrat Abu Huraira (ra) even encouraged fasting during
winter, highlighting how this spiritually rewarding act becomes easier in
colder weather.
This makes winter the perfect opportunity for
those needing to make up missed fasts or those simply seeking greater reward
through voluntary fasting – without great difficulty, Insha-Allah. The
cold itself prompts reflection, especially among the faithful, on all the
blessings Allah has placed in this season. A believer is one who finds the good
in every situation and does not allow difficulties to cloud their perspective.
If faced with challenges, they put their trust in Allah and engage in acts of
worship that bring them closer to Him. Insha-Allah.
Alhamdulillah, here
in Mauritius, we live in a region blessed with a temperate climate (neither too
hot nor too cold) – a tremendous favour from Allah. We are spared both the
harsh chills of the northern lands and the searing heat of the desert. Our
prayer times are also balanced – neither too late in the evening nor too early
in the morning.
Allah reminds us in the Qur’an: “If you are grateful, I will surely increase My blessings
upon you.” (Ibrahim 14: 8)
The alternation of seasons, temperatures, and
prayer times follows a precise divine order. It is a test of our consistency
and gratitude. Therefore, it is our duty to honour the Creator Who has placed
day and night at our service, along with the varying temperatures of the
seasons, to support our bodies, souls, and lives each day – guiding us to adopt
healthy living and remain connected to our spirituality.
Islam is a religion of balance, moderation, and
foresight. Health is not merely a right to preserve, but a duty – to ourselves,
to others, and to Allah. Each season offers unique opportunities, challenges,
and spiritual treasures.
In this winter which we are experiencing, let
us shield ourselves from the physical cold by warming our hearts with faith,
gratitude, and righteous actions. May Allah grant us health, wisdom, and
strength to journey through each season with faith, awareness, and
thankfulness. Insha-Allah, Ameen.
---Friday Sermon of 20 June 2025~ 22 Dhul Hijjah 1446 AH delivered by Imam- Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam International Hazrat Muhyiuddin Al Khalifatullah Munir Ahmad Azim (aba) of Mauritius.