This classical short commentary on Imam Nawawi’s famous collection of forty-two traditions of the Prophet Muhammad, may Allah bless him and give him peace, is an authoritative introduction to key Islamic principles and teachings, Accounted as hadith master, in this collection Imam Nawawi collected together those traditions that he considered were axial to the entire Islamic faith. As the first title in Kube’s new Treasury Series in Islamic Thought and Civilization, this accessible translation is presented in a beautiful gift format.

Ibn Daqiq al-‘Id (d.1302) was a Shafi’i mujtahid imam, who was educated in Damascus, Alexandria, and Egypt. Accounted as one of the greatest scholars in Islam in the fundamentals of law and belief, he wrote extensively in the areas of law, principles of jurisprudence, hadith, and tenets of faith. Imam Nawawi (d.1277) was accounted as an Imam of the later Shafi’i school and was known for his piety and knowledge.

In this unique collection of Forty Hadiths on Poisonous Social Habits, Yahya Ondigo emulates the tradition of Imam an-Nawawi and other great scholars. He has compiled hadiths (records of the guidance) of the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) and briefly commented on each.

This well-researched and thoroughly documented book offers both Muslim and non-Muslim readers a clear understanding of how the divinely-inspired words and actions of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) apply to our contemporary societies. Such social ills as lying, greed, corruption, smoking, gambling and others have been discussed along with their social implications.

After elaborating each issue, the author has offered wise and insightful advice to get rid of that particular social habit. In this beautifully-worded piece, his deep faith in Islam shines through along with his love and concern for humanity.

This compilation is meant to awaken our realization of the causes and effects of these poisonous habits so that perhaps we may be reminded, take admonition, and try to change our situations. As is the rule, Allah will not change the condition of a people either from bad to good, or vice versa, until the people change what is in them selves.