Imam Nawawi compiled these 40 hadiths on the basis of their importance in understanding the fundamentals of the religion of Islam. That is to say, if someone is ignorant of these collections of 40 hadiths, then it is as if his conduct in Islam would be insufficient and lacking.

Written in the 13th century, the teachings of these hadiths transcend time. They guide the lay-muslim in everything: beginning from the depths and origins of one’s own intentions to the demeanor oneself should carry when interacting with society as a whole, equipping the individual to become a humble servant of God while at the same time a productive member of a community. 

A must-have in every Muslim bookshelf.