Riyad us-Salihin

Browse 18 chapters. Select a chapter to begin reading.

What is Riyad us-Salihin?

Riyad us-Salihin is a hadith collection compiled by Yahya ibn Sharaf an-Nawawi. Sirah's current dataset contains 1,850 source records across 18 available chapters. Browse the chapter index to read the available Arabic texts, translations and grading labels. These figures describe the records available here; editions can differ in numbering and chapter divisions.

Sirah dataset
1,850 source records
Available chapters
18
Source records
Collection imported into Sirah's database

Sirah displays source records and does not independently authenticate narrations. Read the source methodology

Sirah dataset: 1,850 source records across 18 available chapters. Historical descriptions below may use a different edition’s numbering.

Collection history

Riyad as-Salihin (The Gardens of the Righteous) is one of the most widely read hadith collections in the world, authored by the venerable scholar Imam Yahya ibn Sharaf an-Nawawi (rahimahullah). Comprising approximately 1,900 carefully chosen hadith on ethics, manners, worship, knowledge, and spiritual devotion, it draws primarily from the Six Books of Hadith (Kutub as-Sittah). The collection serves as an accessible and comprehensive manual for daily Islamic practice.

Compiler biography

Imam Muhyi al-Din Abu Zakariya Yahya ibn Sharaf an-Nawawi (631–676 AH / 1233–1277 CE) was born in the village of Nawa, south of Damascus. Renowned for his exceptional memory, rigorous asceticism, and tireless scholarly output, Imam an-Nawawi made foundational contributions to Hadith commentary and Shafi'i jurisprudence. Despite living only forty-five years, he produced immortal works including his seminal commentary on Sahih Muslim (Al-Minhaj), Al-Majmu', and the Forty Hadith.

Collection methodology

Imam an-Nawawi aimed to assemble a collection that was practical, morally inspiring, and composed exclusively of authentic (sahih) or acceptable (hasan) traditions. He prefaced each chapter with pertinent verses from the Noble Qur'an to establish the scriptural foundation, followed by narrations that exemplify prophetic conduct. The book is organized into twenty sections spanning 372 chapters, covering sincerity of intention, repentance, patience, piety, interpersonal etiquette, and remembrance of Allah.

Scholarly significance

Riyad as-Salihin is celebrated throughout Islamic seminaries, mosques, and households for its clarity, thematic relevance, and uplifting ethical guidance. It serves as an essential companion for seekers desiring to conform their inner state and daily routines to the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

Reading sources on Sirah

Sirah displays hadith records from HadithAPI and additional collections imported into its database. Texts, translations and grading labels reflect the available source records; Sirah does not independently authenticate narrations or verify manuscripts.

Read our data and editorial methodology