If you are just starting to learn hadith, almost every teacher will point you to the same collection as a starting point: the Arbain an-Nawawi. Why this one, and what is in it? Let us get acquainted.
What is the Arbain?
Arbain means "forty". It is a collection of hadith compiled by Imam Yahya ibn Sharaf an-Nawawi (d. 676 AH), one of the great scholars in Islamic history. Although it is called "forty", the count is actually around 42 hadith.
What makes it special is not the number, but the selection. Imam an-Nawawi deliberately chose hadith that form the core and foundation of Islamic teaching — each one acting like a summary of a single major theme.
Why is it a beginner favourite?
- Concise. Only around 42 hadith — you can study them little by little without feeling overwhelmed.
- Foundational. The themes touch on the main pillars: the importance of intention, the pillars of Islam and iman, the meaning of ihsan, the halal and the haram, and good character.
- Widely explained. Because it is so popular, there are many explanations (syarah) from scholars, making it easy to study in greater depth.
As an illustration, the first hadith in the collection speaks about intention — that every deed depends on its intention. A fitting opener: before learning anything, set your purpose straight first.
How to study it
The biggest temptation is to want to "finish" all of it at once. Yet the best way is the opposite:
- One hadith at a time. Read the text, understand its meaning, then read its explanation.
- Reflect on how to apply it. Ask: how does this hadith change the way I behave today?
- Refer to trusted sources. Most of the Arbain's hadith come from the authentic collections. Always pay attention to the source and its grade, and for serious matters, refer to scholars.
Build a habit, not just memorise
Learning hadith is not a race. Like any other good habit, it grows from a little done regularly — one hadith truly understood and put into practice, day after day. That steady rhythm, one hadith at a time, is a calm way to get to know hadith gradually — including many of those found in the Arbain itself.