Description
Forty Hadiths: An Exposition of Ethical and Mystical Traditions (Arba'in, ya chihil hadith) is a major spiritual, ethical, and philosophical work written by Ruhollah Khomeini. Completed in 1939, the book follows the Islamic scholarly tradition of compiling and annotating forty selected traditions (hadiths) attributed to the Prophet Muhammad and the Ahl al-Bayt.
Core Structure & Themes
The book is divided into two primary categories across its 40 chapters:
Islamic Ethics & Moral Purification (33 Hadiths): Focuses heavily on Jihad al-Nafs (the greater struggle against the self). It provides detailed diagnostic descriptions and practical remedies for spiritual vices, including:
Pride (Kibr) and Self-Conceit ('Ujb)
Ostentation (Riya) and Hypocrisy (Nifaq)
Envy (Hasad), Anger (Ghadhab), and Prejudice ('Asabiyyah)
Love of the World (Hubb al-Dunya)
Theology, Metaphysics & Spiritual Contemplation (7 Hadiths): Explores deeper theological and mystical concepts, including:
The nature and attributes of God
Contemplation and intellect (Tafakkur)
Trust in God (Tawakkul)
The states of spiritual fear, hope, and divine meeting
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Author: Imam Khomeini
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Translator: Mahliqa Qarai and Ali Quli-Qarai
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Translated from: Farsi — الأربعون حديثا
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Publisher: Ansariyan Publications
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Language: English
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Category: Ethics / Morality
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Binding: Hardcover
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Pages: 743
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Dimensions: Waziri (وزيري) — 6.69 × 9.45 in (17.0 × 24.0 cm)
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Edition: First Edition 2003
