Imam al-Nawawi

Biography

Abu Zakariyya Yahya ibn Sharaf al-Nawawi (1233-1277 CE) was a Shafi'i scholar who, despite dying at only 44 years of age, left behind some of the most widely studied works in Islamic scholarship. Born in Nawa, a village south of Damascus, he devoted his life entirely to knowledge and worship, never marrying and living in extreme simplicity.

Major Works

Riyad al-Salihin (Gardens of the Righteous): A collection of Quranic verses and hadiths organized by ethical and spiritual themes. One of the most read hadith compilations in the world. Al-Arba'in al-Nawawiyyah (Nawawi's Forty Hadiths): Forty-two foundational hadiths covering the core teachings of Islam. Memorized by students worldwide. Al-Minhaj Sharh Sahih Muslim: The most authoritative commentary on Sahih Muslim. Al-Majmu' Sharh al-Muhadhdhab: An encyclopedic commentary on Shafi'i fiqh, considered the most detailed work of comparative jurisprudence in any madhab. Al-Adhkar: A comprehensive collection of Prophetic supplications and remembrances.

Character

Imam al-Nawawi was known for his extreme piety, his courage in advising rulers, and his devotion to beneficial knowledge. He reportedly studied twelve lessons daily from different teachers and wrote extensively despite chronic ill health. He returned to Nawa shortly before his death and passed away there in 676 AH (1277 CE).