Doha: As part of its new scholarly initiative, the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs has published the first book in its “Bringing Islamic Sciences Closer” series, titled “Refined Guide to Understanding the Forty” (Tahdhib al-Mu‘īn ‘ala Tafahhum al-Arba‘īn) by the renowned classical scholar Imam Ibn al-Mulaqqin.
The publication comes under the supervision of the Department of Islamic Research and Studies, which launched the series to simplify and clarify important texts of Islamic knowledge for a broader readership. The initiative aligns with the ministry’s ongoing commitment to preserving and promoting the Prophetic tradition.
Director of the Department of Islamic Research and Studies Dr. Ahmad bin Mohammed Al Thani, described the series as a cultural and scholarly effort aimed at making Islamic sciences more accessible.
“This project is part of our vision to revive the legacy of the righteous predecessors and support the intellectual and spiritual renaissance of the Muslim ummah,” he said.
He explained that this edition of “Al-Mu‘īn” supports the ministry’s long-standing dedication to the Sunnah through the publication and dissemination of Islamic texts, hosting Hadith teaching sessions, and organizing Hadith memorization competitions.
He noted that this latest release builds on a previous publication by the department: “The Hundred Comprehensive Hadiths”, which expands on Imam al-Nawawi’s “Forty Hadith” collection by adding selections from Imam Ibn Rajab al-Hanbali to reach a total of one hundred significant Hadiths.
The new edition of Ibn al-Mulaqqin’s work is a continuation of the scholarly path laid by generations of Islamic scholars who carefully compiled, explained, and preserved the sayings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
Imam al-Nawawi’s “Forty Hadith” collection remains one of the most widely accepted and studied Hadith compilations, praised for encompassing foundational principles of the religion.
Al-Nawawi himself emphasized their value, noting that each Hadith represents a major religious principle, with scholars considering them as forming the core of Islam.
The methodology used by Imam al-Nawawi in selecting these Hadiths was marked by precision. He only included authentic narrations, primarily from Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim, and deliberately omitted chains of narration (isnads) to facilitate memorization and ease of access. He also provided guidance on correct pronunciation and understanding of subtle terms.
