Gardens Of The Righteous
Riyadh al Saliheen: Gardens Of The Righteous
Course Description
Riyāḍ al-Ṣāliḥīn (Gardens of the Righteous) is a timeless collection of authentic hadith compiled by Imām al-Nawawī رحمه الله. It brings together essential teachings on faith, worship, character, sincerity, and daily conduct—serving as a practical guide to drawing closer to Allah and embodying the beautiful character of the Prophet ﷺ.
SCHEDULE
- Starting May 2026
- Starting Saturday, May 9
- Days: Saturday & Sunday
- Time: 11 AM EDT, 4 PM UK, 8 PM PK
- Taught by: Ustadh Taha Waseem
Riyāḍ al-Ṣāliḥīn (Gardens of the Righteous)
A Journey Through the Prophetic Path of Faith, Character, and Spiritual Refinement
Course Overview
Riyāḍ al-Ṣāliḥīn, compiled by Imām al-Nawawī رحمه الله, is one of the most beloved and widely studied collections of hadith in Islamic tradition. This timeless work brings together carefully selected narrations that illuminate the path to righteousness—covering faith (īmān), worship (‘ibādah), sincerity (ikhlāṣ), character (akhlāq), and the inner purification of the heart (tazkiyah).
This course offers a structured and reflective study of this classical text, guiding students through the wisdom of the Prophet ﷺ in a way that is both deeply spiritual and practically transformative. Each hadith is explored not only for its linguistic and legal insights, but also for its relevance to contemporary life—helping students internalize the Prophetic model in their daily conduct.
Course Goals
- To cultivate a deep love for the Prophet ﷺ through engagement with his words and teachings
- To connect students with a classical hadith text that has shaped Islamic spirituality for centuries
- To nurture spiritual growth by focusing on sincerity, mindfulness of Allah, and ethical conduct
- To bridge knowledge and practice—transforming learning into lived experience
Learning Objectives
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
- Understand key themes and chapters of Riyāḍ al-Ṣāliḥīn
- Explain selected hadith with clarity, including their meanings and practical implications
- Apply Prophetic teachings to real-life situations with confidence and wisdom
- Develop greater awareness of the states of the heart and methods of purification
- Strengthen their connection with Allah through increased reflection and intentional practice
- Cultivate noble character traits such as patience, gratitude, humility, and sincerity
Course Outline & Syallbus
Module 1: Foundations of the Path – Intentions & Sincerity
- Hadith: Innamā al-a‘māl bi’l-niyyāt
- Reality of ikhlāṣ (sincerity)
- Dangers of riyaa (showing off)
- Aligning actions with intention
Outcome: Students learn to purify intentions and anchor all actions for Allah.
Module 2: Tawbah & Returning to Allah
- Virtue of repentance
- Conditions of sincere tawbah
- Allah’s mercy and forgiveness
- Consistency after repentance
Outcome: Develop a living relationship with tawbah and hope in Allah.
Module 3: Patience (Ṣabr) & Trials
- Types of ṣabr
- Responding to hardship with faith
- Prophetic model in difficulty
- Emotional resilience in Islam
Outcome: Ability to navigate trials with strength and tawakkul.
Module 4: Truthfulness & Integrity
- Importance of ṣidq (truthfulness)
- Consequences of lying
- Living with moral consistency
- Truthfulness in modern contexts
Outcome: Build a character rooted in honesty and integrity.
Module 5: Mindfulness of Allah (Taqwā)
- Definition and levels of taqwā
- Living with awareness of Allah
- Guarding actions and intentions
- Practical steps to increase taqwā
Outcome: Develop a heightened awareness of Allah in daily life.
Module 6: Reliance on Allah (Tawakkul)
- Balance between effort and trust
- Misconceptions about tawakkul
- Stories from the Seerah
- Letting go of anxiety
Outcome: Strengthen reliance on Allah while maintaining responsibility.
Module 7: Love of the Prophet ﷺ
- Loving the Prophet ﷺ as part of faith
- Following his Sunnah
- Sending salutations (ṣalawāt)
- Embodying his character
Outcome: Deepen emotional and spiritual connection with the Prophet ﷺ.
Module 8: Etiquettes of Speech & Social Conduct
- Guarding the tongue
- Backbiting, gossip, and harm
- Speaking good or remaining silent
- Social responsibility in Islam
Outcome: Refine speech and improve relationships.
Module 9: Zuhd (Detachment from Dunya)
- Understanding the reality of dunya
- Balance between dunya and akhirah
- Contentment (qanā‘ah)
- Avoiding excess and materialism
Outcome: Cultivate a heart attached to Allah, not the world.
Module 10: Dhikr & Connection with Allah
- Virtues of remembrance
- Types of dhikr
- Daily adhkār
- Impact of dhikr on the heart
Outcome: Establish a consistent relationship with dhikr.
Module 11: Hope & Fear (Rajā’ & Khawf)
- Balancing hope and fear
- Avoiding despair and complacency
- Understanding Allah’s attributes
- Living between the two states
Outcome: Develop a balanced spiritual mindset.
Module 12: Character & Spiritual Excellence (Iḥsān)
- Definition of iḥsān
- Key traits: humility, mercy, patience
- Living Islam beautifully
- Becoming a person of قلب سليم (sound heart)
Outcome: Embody Prophetic character in everyday life.