One of the means of achieving purity is ablution. Without it, prayer cannot be performed. Always being in a state of ablution is a reward. There are many virtues of ablution. Especially the virtue of performing ablution in severe cold is very great.

In the Quran, Allah Almighty says, “Surely Allah loves those who repent and loves those who keep themselves pure.” (Surah Al-Baqarah: 222)

It was narrated from Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, “When a Muslim servant performs ablution and washes his face, all the sins that he has committed with his eyes that he has seen with his eyes come out of his face with the water or with the last drop of water.

When he washes his hands, the sins that he has committed with his hands come out with the water or with the last drop of water that he has touched with his hands. When he washes his feet, the sins committed by his feet are washed away with the water or the last drop of water that his feet have walked on. Thus, he becomes pure and clean from all sins. (Sahih Muslim: 244)

The virtue of performing ablution well in severe cold or difficult conditions is described in another hadith. Hazrat Abu Hurairah (RA) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said to the companions one day, “Shall I tell you about an act that, if done, will cause Allah to forgive sins and raise your rank?” Sahara said, “Of course, O Messenger of Allah!”

Then the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, “Performing ablution well in difficult conditions, traveling a distance to the mosque, praying one time and waiting for the next time.” (Sahih Muslim: 494)

There is even good news about praying in winter. Hazrat Abu Bakr ibn Abu Musa (RA) narrated on the authority of his father that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said: “Whoever prays the two winter prayers (Fajr and Isha) will enter Paradise.” (Bukhari 574)