Imam an-Nawawi gathered forty hadiths in the 7th century AH that scholars regard as the foundations of the religion. Here are seven of them, easy to remember and to live by.
1. It all begins with intention
إِنَّمَا الْأَعْمَالُ بِالنِّيَّاتِ
"Actions are only judged by intentions." (Sahih al-Bukhari, no. 1; Sahih Muslim, no. 1907)
The same act, working, helping a neighbor, feeding one's family, becomes an act of worship when it is done for Allah. Before beginning, ask yourself: for whom am I doing this?
2. Religion is sincere advice
الدِّينُ النَّصِيحَةُ
"Religion is sincere advice." (Sahih Muslim, no. 55)
The Prophet ﷺ specified: toward Allah, His Book, His Messenger, the leaders of the Muslims, and all people. Giving advice means wanting good for the other: with sincerity, in private, and with gentleness.
3. The lawful is clear, the unlawful is clear
"The lawful is clear and the unlawful is clear; between the two there are ambiguous matters that many people do not know. Whoever guards against ambiguous matters protects his religion and his honor." (Sahih al-Bukhari, no. 52; Sahih Muslim, no. 1599).
4. Leave what makes you doubt
"Leave what makes you doubt for what does not make you doubt" (Jami' at-Tirmidhi, no. 2518). A doubtful gain, a word you are not sure of, an unclear matter: when in doubt, abstain, or ask a scholar.
5. Mind your own business
"Part of a person's excellence in Islam is leaving alone what does not concern them" (Jami' at-Tirmidhi, no. 2317). Fewer rumors, less gossip on social networks, more time for what is essential.
6. Do not get angry
A man asked the Prophet ﷺ for advice, and he said to him: "Do not get angry." The man repeated his request several times, and the answer was always the same (Sahih al-Bukhari, no. 6116).
لَا تَغْضَبْ
"Do not get angry."
At home, on the road, in business: keep silent, change position, perform your ablutions, then respond.
7. Fear Allah wherever you are
"Fear Allah wherever you are; follow a bad deed with a good one that erases it; and treat people with good character" (Jami' at-Tirmidhi, no. 1987). Three pieces of advice in one sentence: awareness of Allah, repentance through good deeds, and good conduct.
Going further
The complete collection of the Forty Hadith of Imam an-Nawawi exists in French; reading it with an imam or in a study circle helps in understanding its commentaries. On Dalil, the daily reminder offers one authentic hadith each day, with its source.