Imam Nawawi's classic manual of Islam, 'al-Maqasid', was first composed as a 'fiqh matn', or synopsis of the practical requirements of Islam - faith, purification, the prayer, charity, fasting, and pilgrimage - for students to memorise. The handbook's 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 Shafi'i school of jurisprudence, and widely acknowledged as the intellectual heir of Imam Shafi'i. He was a great scholar and jurist who dedicated his life to the pursuit of Islamic learning.