Imam Nawawis classic manual of Islam, al-Maqasid, was first composed as a fiqh matn, or synopsis of the practical requirements of Islamfaith, purification, the prayer, charity, fasting, and pilgrimagefor students to memorise. The handbooks clear and concise style will help anyone seeking to learn the essentials of Islamic practice and spirituality from a reliable, traditional source. Although best known for his work on hadith, Yahya ibn Sharaf al-Nawawi (d. 676AH/1277AD) was also the Imam of the later Shafii school of jurisprudence, and widely acknowledged as the intellectual heir of Imam Shafii. He was a great scholar and jurist who dedicated his life to the pursuit of Islamic learning.