Arba'in an-Nawawi: the forty that are really forty-two

In short: the Arba'in an-Nawawi is a collection of forty-two foundational hadith compiled by Imam al-Nawawi, who died in 676 AH (1277 CE). It is called "the Forty" after an older scholarly tradition of compiling forty hadith.

Few books of hadith are as widely studied as the Arba'in of Imam Yahya ibn Sharaf al-Nawawi, the Damascus scholar who died in 676 AH (1277 CE). It is often the first collection a student memorises, and it is still taught in mosques and homes across the Muslim world.

Why is it called "forty"?

Compiling forty hadith was an established tradition among scholars before al-Nawawi. His collection is known as "the Forty", yet it actually contains forty-two hadith. The name stuck to the tradition rather than the count.

Later, the Hanbali scholar Ibn Rajab added eight more and wrote a long commentary on all fifty, Jami' al-'Ulum wa al-Hikam, which remains one of the best-known explanations of the collection.

What makes it special?

Al-Nawawi chose hadith that each carry a whole principle of the religion. The collection opens with the hadith that actions are judged by intentions (recorded by al-Bukhari and Muslim; agreed upon, sahih), and moves through faith, worship, good character, how to treat others and how to leave what does not concern you. Many scholars have described these hadith as a summary of the deen in miniature.

How should you read it?

• Slowly. One hadith a day, or even one a week, is a good pace.
• With its source. Notice where each hadith was recorded and how it is graded.
• With a teacher or a commentary when you want to go deeper, because each hadith opens onto a great deal of scholarship.

On our cards

Our Arba'in an-Nawawi set brings all forty-two hadith onto individual cards, in Arabic with a carefully selected English translation and a reflection on the back. The source and grading are printed on every card, and the set comes in our maroon gift box.

Questions people ask

How many hadith are in the Forty Hadith of an-Nawawi?

Forty-two. The title follows the scholarly tradition of compiling forty.

How many cards are in the WQFA Arba'in set?

Forty-two, one for every hadith in the collection.

Who was Imam al-Nawawi?

Yahya ibn Sharaf al-Nawawi was a Damascus scholar who died in 676 AH (1277 CE).