6 min read
The Best Hadith Collections in English
From the two Sahihs to themed anthologies, here are the hadith collections every Muslim home benefits from — and where to start.
The hadith — the words and example of the Prophet ﷺ — are second only to the Quran as a source of guidance. Knowing which collections are authentic, and which suit your level, makes building a library much easier.
The two most authentic: Bukhari & Muslim
Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim are the two most rigorously authenticated collections. As complete Arabic–English sets, they are the cornerstone of any reference shelf.
Best to read cover to cover: Riyad us-Saliheen
Imam Nawawi’s Riyad us-Saliheen arranges hadith by theme — sincerity, patience, kindness — making it perfect for daily reading and family study.
Best starting point: The Forty Hadith of Imam Nawawi
Compact and often memorised, the Forty Hadith distil the essence of the religion into a small, giftable book — the ideal first hadith collection.
How to begin
- New reader? Start with the Forty Hadith, then Riyad us-Saliheen.
- Building a reference? Add the Bukhari and Muslim sets.
Browse the full Hadith & Seerah collection for more.
Our top picks
The items featured in this guide.
Sahih Al-Bukhari — Arabic-English (9 Volumes)
Imam Muhammad al-Bukhari
The most authentic collection of prophetic hadith, presented in a complete nine-volume Arabic–English set.
Sahih Muslim — Arabic-English (Complete Set)
Imam Muslim ibn al-Hajjaj
The second of the two most authentic hadith collections, in a complete Arabic–English reference set.
Riyad-us-Saliheen (The Gardens of the Righteous)
Imam An-Nawawi
Imam Nawawi’s timeless anthology of hadith on character, worship and daily conduct — a household essential.
The Complete Forty Hadith of Imam An-Nawawi
Imam An-Nawawi
Forty foundational hadith that summarise the essence of Islam — perfect for memorisation and study circles.
As an Amazon Associate, Islamic Holy Book earns from qualifying purchases. This guide reflects our editorial opinion; prices and availability are shown on Amazon.