An-Nawawi’s Forty Hadith

An-Nawawi’s Forty Hadith – A Timeless Guide to the Foundations of Islam

Among the thousands of books written on Islamic knowledge, few have earned the quiet, enduring trust that An-Nawawi’s Forty Hadith has held for centuries. Compiled by the great scholar Imam Nawawi (Yahya ibn Sharaf al-Nawawi), this beloved collection gathers the most essential sayings of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ — narrations so foundational, so illuminating, that scholars have described them as a summary of the entire religion. Whether you are just beginning your journey with hadith or returning to deepen what you already know, An-Nawawi’s Forty Hadith is the book most recommended as a first — and lasting — companion.

Why this book matters today

Every sincere Muslim, in every era, longs for guidance that is both authentic and accessible — knowledge rooted in the Qur’an and Sunnah, not opinion or trend. An-Nawawi’s Forty Hadith answers that longing with quiet authority. In a slim but remarkably rich volume, it covers the foundations of faith, worship, personal character, and everyday conduct. Each narration was chosen because it carries a major principle of the Shariah — which is why this collection has remained central to Islamic education from the madrasa to the family study circle for generations.

Allah says in the Qur’an:

“Indeed in the Messenger of Allâh (Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) you have a good example to follow for him who hopes for (the Meeting with) Allâh and the Last Day, and remembers Allâh much.” (Qur’an 33:21)

What makes this book unique

• Compiled by Imam Nawawi, one of the most revered and trusted scholars in the history of Islamic scholarship
• Contains authentic Prophetic sayings that speak to the very core of what it means to be Muslim
• Arabic text alongside clear, faithful English translation — so the heart and the mind are both nourished
• Includes short, accessible commentary that brings each hadith to life with context and meaning
• A recognized classical reference, studied in madrasas and circles of knowledge across the world
• Welcoming to complete beginners, yet rich enough to reward students of Islamic sciences for years

Key themes and knowledge inside

Every hadith in An-Nawawi’s Forty Hadith was selected with intention — because it represents a principle so important that a Muslim simply cannot afford to be without it. Together, they form a complete picture of Islamic belief and practice.

• Intentions and sincerity in actions
• The pillars of Islam, Iman, and Ihsan
• Lawful and unlawful matters
• Islamic manners and character
• Supplication and remembrance
• Justice and social responsibility
• Self-discipline and Taqwa
• Guidance from the Sunnah

It is for this reason that scholars across centuries have called An-Nawawi’s Forty Hadith one of the most beneficial short hadith collections ever assembled — a book that teaches you not just what Islam says, but how Islam shapes a life.

Author’s scholarly authority

Yahya ibn Sharaf al-Nawawi — Imam Nawawi — stands among the giants of Islamic scholarship. A master of hadith, fiqh, and Islamic sciences, his works have been read, taught, and treasured for over seven centuries. In compiling An-Nawawi’s Forty Hadith, he drew from the most reliable sources in the tradition — including Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim — ensuring that every narration rests on solid, verified ground. When you hold this book, you hold the careful work of a man who devoted his life to protecting the knowledge of the Prophet ﷺ.

Who should read this book

• Students of Islamic knowledge at any level
• Beginners taking their first steps into the world of hadith
• Teachers and madrasa students looking for a reliable foundational text
• Readers who want to build a meaningful, consistent Islamic practice
• Anyone who wants a short, authentic hadith collection they can return to again and again

Practical benefits for the reader

One of the most beautiful things about An-Nawawi’s Forty Hadith is how naturally it fits into a real life. Because the collection is concise, it is easy to study regularly, memorize gradually, or work through in a weekly study circle. The teachings gently reshape how you see your intentions, your interactions, your worship — until the awareness of Allah becomes something you carry into every ordinary moment of your day.

Scholars across the world consistently recommend this collection as one of the finest starting points for learning hadith — and one of the books worth returning to, no matter how far along the path you are.

Edition and publication quality

• Title: An-Nawawi’s Forty Hadith
• Author: Yahya ibn Sharaf al-Nawawi
• Translator: Ezzeddin Ibrahim & Denys Johnson-Davies
• Publisher: Idara Impex
• Language: Arabic & English
• Pages: 128
• ISBN-10: 8171016405
• ISBN-13: 9788171016402
• Edition: Paperback (2019)

Recommended reading

If you are studying the teachings of the Prophet ﷺ alongside the lives of those who lived closest to him, you may also find deep benefit in: Asharah Mubash-Sharah – The Ten Companions Promised Paradise

Hadith reference about intentions

The very first hadith in An-Nawawi’s Forty Hadith sets the tone for everything that follows — a reminder that where the heart goes, the deed follows:

“Actions are to be judged only by intentions and a man will have only what he intended.”
(Sunan Abi Dawud 2201)

FAQ – An-Nawawi’s Forty Hadith

Is this book suitable for beginners?

Absolutely. An-Nawawi’s Forty Hadith is widely recommended as the ideal first hadith book — clear, concise, and rooted in the most essential teachings of Islam. Many scholars begin here, and many never stop returning to it.

Are the hadiths authentic?

Yes. Imam Nawawi drew from the most reliable sources in the Islamic tradition, which is precisely why this collection has been trusted by scholars and students for centuries.

Does this edition include Arabic text?

Yes. This edition presents the original Arabic text alongside an English translation and short commentary — giving you both the words and the meaning in one place.

Can this book be used for study circles?

It is one of the most widely used texts in madrasas, halaqas, and personal study precisely because each hadith opens a window into a major principle of Islam — making every sitting meaningful and rich with discussion.

Why is this book famous?

Because it has stood the test of time. For centuries, scholars and students across the Muslim world have turned to this collection as one of the most reliable and comprehensive short hadith works ever compiled — and its relevance has not diminished by a single word.