An-Nawawi's Forty Hadith

About this book

Imam an-Nawawi gathered this short collection because, following the advice of earlier scholars, he wanted to preserve a small set of hadith that between them sum up the foundations of the religion. Although it is called "forty", it actually contains forty-two hadith.

Among them are the hadith of intentions ("Actions are only by intentions"), the hadith of Jibril on Islam, iman and ihsan, the hadith on halal and haram being clear, "The religion is sincere advice", "Leave what does not concern you", "Do not become angry", and the hadith on Allah having prescribed excellence in everything. Together they cover belief, worship, ethics, manners and the inner life.

This edition, translated by Ezzeddin Ibrahim and Denys Johnson-Davies, presents the Arabic text alongside a clear English translation. The book is small and easy to carry for memorisation.

What's inside

• 42 foundational hadith
• Arabic text with English translation
• Covers belief, worship, ethics and character
• Short enough to memorise
• Classic translation by Ibrahim and Johnson-Davies