Hadith #1495

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us to be cautious of the cold at the beginning of winter and to embrace it towards its end. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) compares the effect of cold on our bodies to its effect on branches. Just as the beginning of winter scorches the branches, the end of winter causes leaves to grow.

To understand the profound wisdom behind this advice, let us delve into the meanings of some important words in this Hadith. The word (tawaqqou) "تَوَقُّو" means to be cautious or vigilant. (al-bard) "البَرْدَ" refers to the cold or winter season. (awwalihi) "أوَّلِهِ" means its beginning, and (akhirhi) "آخِرهِ" means its end. The word (yuhriqu) "يُحْرِقُ" means to scorch or burn, and (yuriq) "يُورِقُ" means to cause leaves to grow.

To support the exegesis of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran. In Surah Al-Hadid, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 2:155-156)

And We will surely test you with something of fear and hunger and a loss of wealth and lives and fruits, but give good tidings to the patient, Who, when disaster strikes them, say, 'Indeed we belong to Allah, and indeed to Him we will return.'

This verse highlights the importance of patience and resilience in the face of difficulties. Similarly, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us to be cautious of the cold at its onset. Just as the beginning of winter brings hardships and challenges, it is crucial for us to be prepared and resilient in facing them. By being cautious and taking necessary precautions, we can minimize the negative impact of the cold on our bodies and lives.

Furthermore, the end of the Hadith mentions that the cold at its end causes leaves to grow. This reminds us of the cycle of life and rejuvenation. In Surah Al-An'am, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 6:99)

And it is He who sends down rain from the sky, and We produce thereby the growth of all things. We produce from it greenery from which We produce grains arranged in layers. And from the palm trees - of its emerging fruit are clusters hanging low. And [We produce] gardens of grapevines and olives and pomegranates, similar yet varied. Look at [each of] its fruit when it yields and [at] its ripening. Indeed in that are signs for a people who believe.

This verse highlights the blessings and abundance that come after a period of hardship. Just as the end of winter brings the growth of leaves and the blossoming of nature, it signifies the arrival of a new season filled with blessings and opportunities. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us to embrace the cold towards its end, reminding us that every difficulty is followed by ease and every hardship is followed by relief.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we can draw several important lessons. Firstly, it teaches us the importance of being cautious and prepared in facing challenges. Just as we protect ourselves from the cold at the beginning of winter, we should take necessary precautions in all aspects of our lives to minimize the negative impact of difficulties.

Secondly, this Hadith reminds us of the transient nature of hardships. Just as the cold at its end brings new life and growth, every difficulty we face will eventually pass, and better times will come. This encourages us to remain patient and hopeful during times of adversity, knowing that relief and blessings are on the horizon.

Lastly, this Hadith emphasizes the wisdom and knowledge of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). His profound understanding of the natural world and its cycles allows him to draw meaningful lessons and advice for us. As Muslims, we should strive to seek knowledge and wisdom from the teachings of the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ), recognizing their unparalleled knowledge and guidance.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us to be cautious of the cold at its onset and embrace it towards its end. It teaches us the importance of being prepared and resilient in facing challenges, while reminding us of the transient nature of hardships and the arrival of better times. May we all strive to implement the wisdom of this Hadith in our lives and seek guidance from the teachings of the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ).