During this winter season... Remember Imaam Ahmad

Shaykh Aadil Mansour said:

And it is a must, during this wintry weather that we reflect upon the effects of the winter upon the body of an Imaam who was put to trial. And it is none other than Imaam Ahmad ibn Hanbal.

When the winter arrived, his joints ached and his moaning intensified, and he remained in this condition until he died. The pain in his limbs would not subside nor would his joints. These limbs and joints which received the whip of punishment from the oppressive rulers; those who embraced the call that the Quran was created, turning the people away from their religion. Not causing them a decrease in their livelihood or their stomachs, rather it diverted the people away from their religion and their Aqeedah.

Every time the winter and the cold arrived he would moan from the effects of the punishment and inflammation and pain of his joints. And the pain would not subside until he warmed water and poured it over his aches.

During this weather, which is relished by those who enjoy it; and adorned by those who find it arrival charming; we reflect upon his experience.

Translated by Rasheed ibn Estes Barbee via mtws.posthaven.com