Riyad as-Salihin, from the words of the Master of Messengers

Author's name: Muhyiddin al-Nawawi

Riyad as-Salihin, a book of sayings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him), was authored by Imam Yahya ibn Sharaf an-Nawawi ad-Dimashqi. It compiles authentic hadiths narrated from the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) on all aspects of faith and life, presenting them in organized chapters and sections for easy reference and benefit. The book contains 1903 hadiths with concise chains of transmission, usually beginning with a Companion of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) and rarely with a Successor (Tabi'i), divided into 372 chapters. It quotes the sayings and actions of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) as narrated by his Companions, and in a few instances, it includes sayings and actions of the Companions themselves, either following the Prophet's example or striving to emulate his guidance. The hadiths are distributed across fifteen books, each containing several chapters, the number of which varies according to the subject matter. The chapters are numbered sequentially from the beginning to the end of the book, totaling three hundred and seventy-three chapters. Since the blessed hand of Imam al-Nawawi penned Riyad as-Salihin, it has spread like a beacon of light, finding its way into the home of every Muslim, so much so that hardly a house is without it. Its benefit has been widespread, both private and public, and the most virtuous have acknowledged its merit. Distinguished scholars, both past and present, have served it, demonstrating some of the excellence of its composition, its elegant arrangement, its beautiful structure, and the selection of its content. Imam al-Nawawi, may God have mercy on him, was a man blessed in his time as he was in his writings. All his works were stamped with acceptance, hence the remarkable popularity of them and the widespread benefit derived from them in every place and time. Riyad as-Salihin is a book authored by Imam al-Nawawi, may God have mercy on him, on the noble hadiths. This book offers sincere advice to the Muslim community, promotes cooperation in righteousness, and guides towards goodness. It compiles authentic hadiths that serve as a path to Paradise, instilling in its readers both outward and inward virtues. It encompasses encouragement and warning, refines character, soothes hearts, and protects one's limbs. Its popularity is further enhanced by the author's meticulous approach, committing to including only authentic hadiths from the Sunnah, prefacing each chapter with verses from the Holy Quran, and clarifying any points requiring further explanation or clarification of subtle meanings. This book is of paramount importance in our time because it contains Quranic verses and Prophetic hadiths that encourage asceticism, urge good deeds, promote emulation of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), encourage the adoption of the noble character of the righteous, and promote joining the ranks of the early generations of Muslims (may God be pleased with them all).