Finding comfort in Allah (SWT) this winter

For many people, winter can be a lonely season. With shorter days, longer evenings and freezing weather, many of us find ourselves spending more time indoors on our own and the new COVID-19 restrictions and lockdown measures have only made this winter all the more difficult for those of us struggling with loneliness. But even in the cold, dark winter, we can find comfort in the presence of Allah (SWT).

The lack of social interactions due to COVID-19 and cold weather can bring on feelings of loneliness and depression but as Muslims, we can learn how to cope with loneliness not only with the support of our family or friends but through Allah (SWT). Through Him, all things are possible, and dealing with loneliness in His presence can help us fend of these feelings of loneliness and depression.  

Despite the icy weather, winter really is the best season for the believer because it offers us so much and provides us with opportunities to receive Allah’s (SWT) blessed rewards. Reflecting on the Sunnah and living in Allah’s (SWT) warmth can help all of us beat the winter blues and reconnect with our faith.

If you find yourself feeling lonely this winter, try reaching out to friends and family via phone or video to give yourself some human contact and then give yourself to Allah, trusting that He will guide you through this season.

What to do when feeling lonely in Islam?

If you’ve found yourself asking about “what to do when feeling lonely in Islam?” your answer to dealing with loneliness is in the very question you’ve asked. Islam. When you start to struggle with loneliness and depression, turning to your faith can hold the answers you seek because no one can be truly alone when Allah (SWT) is with them.

If you’re feeling lonely this winter, you’re not alone in your feelings. Millions of your sisters and brothers have felt the same at one point or another, and learning how to cope with loneliness can be difficult if you don’t have support. But what is there to do when feeling lonely in Islam?

The Qur’an states, “Verily, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest.” [13:28] and it’s He who has the power to ease your suffering. As a Muslim, when you begin dealing with loneliness turning to the Almighty is one of the best things you can do. The winter offers us plenty of opportunities to grow closer to Him, and acting on these opportunities could very well ease the loneliness you feel and endear you to Him.

Winter is the best season for the believer because its days are short for fasting, its nights are long for prayer and the harsh cold that surrounds us serves as a reminder of Allah’s saving grace. If we remember our good fortunate and take the time to be grateful to Allah for all the good in our lives, we can learn how to cope with loneliness and come out of the winter season feeling better than before.

Short Days for Fasting

Winter is a great time for fasting because of the short daylight hours. The Prophet (ﷺ) said “Fasting in winter is the easy prize.” [Tirmidhī] We should take this opportunity to grow closer to Allah (SWT) by fasting during the week and making the most of these shorter days.

Fasting has also been known to reduce anxiety, which when we’re feeling lonely can spike, so fasting throughout winter is a good way to reduce stress levels while reinforcing yourself spiritually.

Long Nights for Prayer

With the long nights of winter, we Muslims have more than enough time to sleep and wake up for tahajjud. Tahajjud, or the night prayer, allows us to be closer to our Maker. The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, “Hold on tight to the night prayer. Indeed it is the habit of the righteous who came before you. It brings you close to your Lord, wipes away your sins and prevents you from sinning.” [Tirmidhī]

Praying to Allah (SWT) and setting yourself a plan to wake up each night and recite the night prayer is a good way to help combat loneliness because speaking to our Lord through Dua will bring you peace.

A Reminder of Our Good Fortune

The harsh weather and drop in temperature that comes with winter not only reminds us to stay on the path of righteousnes or risk facing Zamharīr in Jahannam, but also reminds us of the good fortunate that Allah (SWT) has blessed us with in this world.

With so many of our less fortunate brothers and sisters living on the cold streets during winter or not having enough food to feed their families, we can take this time to thank Allah (SWT) for what He has given us and do what we can for those in need. Spending time doing charity work or donating to the poor can help with loneliness and depression because you’ll begin to feel good about helping others and bettering your community.

When to Seek Help

Feeling a little glum and lonely during the winter months is normal, and especially can be expected with the current global pandemic, and seeking relief through Allah (SWT) for your loneliness is an important first step but if you suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder, chronic depression, anxiety or you feel as though your mental health is really suffering this season, you should reach out to family or someone you can trust. Those around you might not realise how you’re feeling, so speaking up about loneliness and depression is necessary in order to get the help you need.

Your mental health is important. You don’t need to suffer from loneliness and depression by yourself, Allah (SWT) is always with you and there are people around you who care. If you would be more comfortable speaking confidentially to someone, you can always reach out to one of our Helpline Practitioners on our Listening Line by calling 0300 303 1360. They are ready to speak with you 7 days a week from 12pm - 8pm.