Riyad as-Salihin from the narration of the Master of the Messengers / Al-Halabi

Classification of Imam Muhyiddin ibn Sharf al-Nuwayi, verified and corrected - Ali Hassan Abdul Hamid al-Halabi Introduction In the name of Allah, the Most Merciful, the Most Compassionate All praise be to Allah, we praise Him, seek His help, and ask for His forgiveness. We seek refuge in Allah from the evil of ourselves and from our bad deeds. Whom Allah guides, there is no misleader for him; and whom He misguides, there is no guide for him. I bear witness that there is no deity but Allah alone, with no partner, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and Messenger. Afterward: Indeed, the book "Riyadh as-Salihin from the sayings of the Master of the Messengers" is among the important and beneficial books; because it has gathered what the traveler needs in all circumstances, and included what should be adopted in morals, and adhered to in words and actions, drawing from the depths of the book and the prophetic Sunnah; conveying those jewels from those shining mines. (1) Haji Khalifa - who died in the year 1067 AH - in "Kashf al-Zunun an Asami al-Kutub wal-Funun" (9/936/1): It is a summarized collection compiled from authentic hadiths, including what is a means for its owner to reach the Hereafter, combining encouragement, warning, asceticism, and spiritual exercises. He committed in it to mention only authentic hadiths. The chapters begin with the Quran, and decorate what needs to be corrected or explained. It is arranged into two hundred and sixty-five chapters. And I would not be exaggerating if I said: I do not know of any book that has been printed, spread, and circulated—after the Book of Allah, the Almighty—like this book; in terms of multiple editions, diverse verification, different narrations, and so on... And the scholars still recommend this book, point to it, and guide to it: - Imam al-Dhahabi, who died in 748 AH, in his book "Siyar A'lam an-Nubala" (19/340), says: "Beneficial knowledge is that which the Quran has revealed, and the Messenger of Allah has explained in speech and action, and there is no prohibition of it." He said: "Whoever turns away from my Sunnah is not one of me." So, my brother, reflect on the Book of Allah and diligently study: "Al-Bukhari and Muslim," "Sunans of An-Nasa'i," "Riyadh an-Nawawi," and "His Remembrances"—you will succeed and prosper. - Imam Muhammad ibn Ibrahim al-Wazir al-Yamani, who died in 840 AH, in his book "The Command to Seclude in the Last Days" (p. 172): Know that solitude is not sought for itself; rather, it is a means to abandon sins and destructive acts, and to purify the soul with virtues and cleanse it from vices. If you attain solitude with Allah’s grace, then strive to act according to the Book and the Sunnah, and review the books of the righteous after them. Prefer the authentic books over others; and the best book to review in this regard is "Riyadh as-Salihin" by al-Nuwayi, because he limited it to the Book of Allah and the authentic Sunnah of His Messenger, and did not mix it with innovations or sectarian views. - And His Eminence, the scholar and father, Sheikh Abdul Aziz bin Abdullah bin Baz, may Allah have mercy on him, in "Majmoo' al-Fatawa" (283/4), during his advice regarding beneficial books in the field of الدعوة (call to Islam)—after mentioning the Book of Allah and the foundational books of Sunnah: I also recommend reviewing the beneficial books of the scholars, such as "Al-Muntaqa" and... by Al-Majd ibn Taimiya, "Riyadh as-Salihin," "Buloog al-Maram," and so forth. And in this blessed series, this book is mentioned, praised, extolled, and elevated because it is truly a great book that cannot be dispensed with. Until this book—may Allah benefit us through it—became known among the scholars in the books of "Al-Athbat," "Al-Ma'ajim," and "Al-Mashikhat": 1. Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani, who died in 852 AH, mentions it in his "Al-Mu'jam al-Mufahras li-Al-Jami' al-Mu'assas" (p. 397). 2. Ibn Fadh al-Makki, who died in 885 AH, mentions it in his "Mu'jam ash-Shuyukh" (pp. 52, 259, 330). 3. Jalal ad-Din as-Suyuti, who died in 911 AH, mentions it in his "Al-Munjam fi al-Mu'jam" (p. 228). 4. Al-Rudani, who died in 1094 AH, mentions it in his book "Silat al-Khalaf bi Mawsul as-Salaf" (p. 252). And many others whom we have not listed. The status and importance of this book deserve more attention, care, and thoroughness. It has been verified and published many times by knowledgeable scholars, diligent researchers, or even inexperienced or boastful individuals, or obscure pretenders... And I, myself, am merely a student of knowledge, guided by the scholars, and illuminated by the guidance of the elders. In this, I try to support the Sunnah and defend its people and carriers. In conclusion: This is what came to mind and what the pen has written in this brief introduction—hoping Allah, Glorified and Exalted, grants me goodness from my intention, and grants me a reward greater than my deed. This is my hope and aspiration from Him—Glory be to Him. May Allah send His peace and blessings upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and his companions altogether. And our last supplication is: Praise be to Allah, Lord of the worlds. Written by Ali bin Hassan bin Ali bin Abdul Hamid al-Halabi al-Athri On Tuesday after dawn: the 25th of Shawwal, in the year 491 AH after the Hijra of the Prophet of glory and honor, صلى الله عليه وسلم, and blessings.