The Forty-Two Hadith of Imam al-Nawawi
الأربعون النووية
Yahya ibn Sharaf al-Nawawi · 7th century AH / 13th century CE
A structured study guide to the well-known collection commonly called al-Arba'in al-Nawawiyya. This page provides concise thematic reading notes, not a verbatim edition or authenticated translation.
About this book
The collection gathers foundational teachings on intention, faith, worship, character, accountability, and social ethics.
The 42 entries on this site are explanatory study notes. Consult a verified edition and its hadith references when studying or quoting the original narrations.
No note on this page should be mistaken for the exact wording of a hadith.
How it is arranged
- ▸42 numbered thematic reading notes
- ▸Themes: belief, worship, conduct, justice, and spiritual discipline
Full reading
Written for this library in our own words — 42 chapters.
1. 01. Actions are judged by intentions
This study note explains how intention gives moral direction to outward actions and why sincerity matters in worship and daily conduct.
2. 02. Islam, faith, and excellence
A learning note on the distinctions between outward practice, inward belief, and worship performed with awareness of God.
3. 03. The pillars of Islam
Review the five foundational practices and how they shape a Muslim's obligations, identity, and community life.
4. 04. Human creation and divine decree
A reflective note on human development, responsibility, and the theological discussion of divine knowledge and decree.
5. 05. Rejecting religious innovation
Study the principle that acts of worship must be grounded in reliable religious guidance rather than invented authority.
6. 06. Permissible and forbidden matters
Explore clear lawful and unlawful matters, doubtful cases, and the ethical value of caution.
7. 07. Religion as sincere counsel
A note on sincere concern and truthful advice toward God, scripture, leadership, and the wider community.
8. 08. The sanctity of Muslim life and property
Review the ethical boundaries protecting life, property, and dignity, alongside the responsibilities of justice.
9. 09. Obligations according to ability
Study how religious duties, prohibitions, and capacity relate to accountability and practical conduct.
10. 10. Goodness and avoiding harm
A principle-focused note on doing what is beneficial and preventing injury to oneself and others.
11. 11. Avoiding doubtful matters
Reflect on how caution around ambiguity can protect faith, reputation, and ethical consistency.
12. 12. Leaving what does not concern you
A study note on attention, restraint, privacy, and choosing speech and action that bring real benefit.
13. 13. Love for others
Explore the ethical ideal of wishing for others the good one wishes for oneself.
14. 14. Protection of Muslim blood
A note on the gravity of unjust violence and the duty to protect human life and security.
15. 15. Good speech and hospitality
Review the connection between belief, responsible speech, honoring neighbors, and welcoming guests.
16. 16. Anger and self-control
A practical note on restraint, emotional regulation, and refusing to let anger govern conduct.
17. 17. Excellence in every action
Study the obligation to act with care and mercy, including in difficult situations.
18. 18. Mindfulness of God
A note on reverence, repentance after wrongdoing, and responding to people with good character.
19. 19. Divine care and asking for help
Reflect on reliance upon God, seeking help through lawful means, and maintaining spiritual perspective.
20. 20. Modesty
A study note on modesty as a moral quality that supports dignity and discourages shameless conduct.
21. 21. Steadfast faith
Review the importance of affirming faith and remaining upright in belief and action.
22. 22. Consistency in obligations
A note on fulfilling required duties and avoiding excess that undermines sustainable worship.
23. 23. Purity and remembrance
Explore purification, gratitude, prayer, charity, patience, and the spiritual significance of remembrance.
24. 24. Prohibition of injustice
A principle note on divine justice, the wrongfulness of oppression, and the duty to respect others' rights.
25. 25. Charity beyond wealth
Study how kind words, assistance, and removing obstacles can count as acts of charity.
26. 26. Reconciliation and justice
A note on resolving conflict, acting fairly, and helping people without enabling wrongdoing.
27. 27. Following harmful acts with good
Reflect on repentance, repairing harm, and responding to mistakes with better conduct.
28. 28. Closeness through obligations
Study the priority of required worship and the role of voluntary devotion in spiritual growth.
29. 29. Avoiding destructive conduct
A note on boundaries around wrongdoing and the importance of safeguarding others from harm.
30. 30. Limits and duties
Review the ethical idea that divine limits, duties, and protections should be respected.
31. 31. Renouncing unhealthy attachment
A reflection on contentment, avoiding greed, and not allowing worldly rivalry to dominate life.
32. 32. No harm or retaliation through harm
Study the widely cited legal-ethical maxim against causing harm or answering harm with further harm.
33. 33. Evidence and claims
A note on the responsibility to support claims with evidence and the limits on unsupported accusations.
34. 34. Changing wrong with responsibility
Explore the conditions, capacity, knowledge, and likely consequences relevant to responding to wrongdoing.
35. 35. Brotherhood and dignity
A note on solidarity, avoiding envy and contempt, and protecting the dignity of fellow believers.
36. 36. Good character and intention
Study how sincere intention, ethical conduct, and accountability reinforce one another.
37. 37. Removing worldly distress
Reflect on relieving hardship, helping those in need, and the value of concealing another person's faults responsibly.
38. 38. Divine mercy and human effort
A note on the relationship between mercy, repentance, and the consequences of one's choices.
39. 39. Forgiveness and humility
Study the ethical value of pardon, humility, and seeking reconciliation where appropriate.
40. 40. The wider meaning of charity
A note on charitable action through service, fair dealing, and responsible daily behavior.
41. 41. Worldly conduct and accountability
Reflect on avoiding injustice and remembering that deeds have moral consequences.
42. 42. The breadth of divine forgiveness
A concluding study note on repentance, hope, and seeking forgiveness without treating wrongdoing lightly.