Al-Nawawi’s Manual of Islam

Translated by Nuh Ha Mim Keller.

Imam Nawawi’s classic manual of Islam, al-Maqasid, was first composed as a fiqh matn, or synopsis of the practical requirements of Islam – faith, purification, the prayer, charity, fasting, and pilgrimage – for students to memorise. The handbook’s clear and concise style will help anyone seeking to learn the essentials of Islamic practice and spirituality from a reliable, traditional source.

Although best known for his work on hadith, Yahya ibn Sharaf al-Nawawi (d. 676AH/1277AD) was also the Imam of the later Shafi’i school of jurisprudence, and widely acknowledged as the intellectual heir of Imam Shafi’i. He was a great scholar and jurist who dedicated his life to the pursuit of Islamic learning.